The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of eight Indian nationals while serving in the Russian armed forces. This revelation comes amidst mounting concerns about individuals being lured or misled into joining the Russian military.
The MEA informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that a total of 12 Indian nationals have already left the Russian armed forces, with another 63 seeking early discharge. The MEA further stated that it has verified the citizenship of eight deceased individuals, confirming their Indian nationality.
The news has sparked a significant public outcry in India, raising questions about the recruitment practices employed by the Russian military and the potential exploitation of foreign nationals. The Indian government has pledged to provide consular assistance to those seeking to leave the Russian armed forces and to address the concerns of their families.