Two more Indians killed in Ukraine war, India asks Russia to halt recruitment

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Tuesday that two more Indian nationals working with the Russian army have been killed, The Wire reported.

The total number of Indian nationals killed in the Ukraine war has risen to four and the names of the two individuals have not been made public.

The MEA in its statement said that India had asked Russia for a “verified stop” to any further recruitment of Indian nationals to the Russian army as it is not ‘in consonance with our partnership’.

“We regret to state that two Indian nationals who had been recruited by the Russian army have recently been killed in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” the MEA’s press statement reportedly said.

The MEA has “strongly taken up the matter” with the Russian ambassador in New Delhi and Moscow for the early return of the Indian nationals, the statement said.

“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,” it added.

The Indian embassy, the MEA stated, has “pressed the Russian authorities, including the Ministry of Defense, for [the] early repatriation of mortal remains”.

The MEA urged Indian nationals to be cautious when they seek employment in Russia.

Reports earlier claimed Russian army had recruited 100 Indian workers but the government in February said 20 Indians were in touch with the Indian embassy, seeking to return home.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in February confirming the numbers that ‘We are trying our level best for their early discharge. We have issued two statements, which you saw. We’ve also told people not to venture in the war zone or get caught into situations which are difficult.”

Meanwhile, the bodies of two Indian nationals identified as Mohammad Asfan and Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya, arrived in India in Mid-march.