The Ministry of External Affairs responded on Thursday (18 December 2025) regarding the deaths of Indians in the Russia-Ukraine war. The Ministry of External Affairs said that from the year 2022 till now, 202 Indian citizens have been recruited in the Russian Army, out of which 26 people have died and 7 others are missing. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala and TMC MP Saket Gokhale had asked a question in the House regarding the return of Indian people who were illegally recruited into the army for the Russia-Ukraine war.
119 Indians were brought back – Minister of State for External Affairs
In response to the opposition MPs, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that due to the diplomatic efforts of the Central Government, 119 Indians have been freed so far. He told that 50 Indian citizens are still in the Russian Army and are waiting to return from there. He told that the Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with Russian authorities for his safety and early return to India.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs told how the government helped
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said, ‘The ministry has provided assistance in bringing back the mortal remains of 10 deceased Indian citizens to India and has conducted local cremation of two deceased Indians. DNA samples of family members of 18 Indians, who are reported dead or missing, have been handed over to Russian authorities. The ministry and the Indian Embassy in Russia have provided assistance to Indians discharged from the Russian Army to return, including providing travel documents and airfare.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘The Indian Embassy in Russia has provided assistance in the recovery of the mortal remains. After taking the body to a safe place, DNA samples of the relatives of the deceased are matched in the identification process. Once the identity is confirmed, the Indian Embassy talks to the family and helps them complete the necessary documentation to perform the last rites there or take the body to India.’
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