India urges Russia to release all Indians in military after Kerala man’s death
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New Delhi has reiterated its call for the release of all Indian citizens working in the Russian military after the death of Binil Babu, a man from Thrissur, Kerala, in the Ukraine war.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also requested the swift repatriation of Jain Kurien, another Indian national from Thrissur, who was injured while serving in the same conflict.
The Indian Embassy in Moscow is coordinating with Russian authorities to ensure the early return of Binil Babu’s mortal remains to his hometown. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the issue has been strongly raised with Russia both in New Delhi and Moscow, emphasising India’s demand for the release of its citizens still serving in the Russian armed forces.
In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin had assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in Moscow that all Indian nationals working with the Russian military would be discharged and repatriated. Despite this assurance, the recent death of Binil Babu has brought renewed attention to the plight of Indian nationals involved in the conflict.
Earlier in March 2024, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a human trafficking network that had duped young Indians with promises of jobs in Russia. Once in Russia, they were coerced into working as support staff for the Russian military in Ukraine. Many of these individuals later reached out to the Indian Embassy in Moscow for assistance, with some posting videos online to plead for help.
The government has identified 91 Indians recruited into the Russian armed forces, with eight confirmed deaths so far. According to Kirti Vardan Singh, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, only 19 Indian nationals currently remain in Russian military service. Efforts are ongoing to locate and secure the safe return of these individuals.
“The government expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow is actively assisting the families and is working closely with Russian authorities to expedite the transportation of mortal remains and ensure the safe repatriation of injured individuals,” said Jaiswal.
The MEA has reinforced its demand for the immediate discharge of all remaining Indian nationals from the Russian armed forces, prioritising their safety and well-being. In an address to the Lok Sabha on December 13, Minister Kirti Vardan Singh assured that the government is committed to the safety of Indian nationals and is pressing Russia for updates on the remaining individuals.