Representational.
The ongoing fighting in Ukraine has claimed the lives of two more Indian nationals who were recruited by the Russian Army. The identity of the two people who passed away has not been revealed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which announced their deaths on Tuesday, June 11. There have already been four Indian nationals killed in the Russian combat zone.
In a statement, MEA said that efforts are being made to return the deceased people's mortal remains to their relatives as soon as possible. It also offered condolence to the families of the deceased, the News Minute reported.
“The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and with Russian authorities in Moscow respectively, for early release and return of all Indian nationals who are with the Russian Army. India has also demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of our nationals by the Russian Army. Such activities would not be in consonance with our partnership. We also urge Indian nationals to exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia,” the Ministry further said.
Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangua, a 23-year-old from Surat, Gujarat, passed away in February 2024 while working as a "security helper," while Mohammed Asfan, a 30-year-old from Hyderabad, died in March 2024 while serving Russian troops.
Seven people from Punjab and Haryana who were stranded on the Russia-Ukraine border in March uploaded two films pleading with the Indian government to help them get back home. They said in the recordings that they were on tourist visas when they were arrested by Russian officials for not having a required document. They also claimed that the police threatened to compel them to enlist in the Russian Army on the pretence of acting as "helpers.”