Archive · 1 Sep 2026
India Reports 51 Deaths Among 227 Russian Army Recruits
India said 227 of its citizens were recruited into the Russian armed forces.
Officials said 51 of them have died.
Another 139 have been discharged and are returning to India.
Using those figures, 37 people would still be serving.
However, one report described the remaining number as around two dozen.
India is asking Russia to release and return the remaining citizens.
The Indian Embassy in Moscow is monitoring these cases.
Reports said some recruits worked in support roles such as cooking and helping.
The Supreme Court also asked the government to help families seek assistance and compensation.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said 51 of 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces have died.
India said 139 recruits have been discharged and are returning home.
The reported figures leave 37 Indians still serving, although one report described the number as around two dozen.
New Delhi is in continuing discussions with Moscow to secure the release and repatriation of those remaining.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to appoint a nodal officer to assist families of Indians who died, disappeared, or were injured.
- Who
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Indian government, Russian authorities, Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces, and affected families.
- What
- India reported 51 deaths and 139 discharges among 227 recruited Indian nationals, while seeking the release and repatriation of those still serving.
- When
- The figures were announced on Monday during a briefing reported on September 1, 2026.
- Where
- Misri spoke in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; the cases concern Indians serving with Russian forces, with the Indian Embassy in Moscow monitoring them.
- Why
- India is seeking the discharge and return of remaining citizens, while affected families seek assistance, mortal remains, and compensation.
Indian Government Position
Families’ and Petitioners’ Demands
Release and repatriation
Indian Government Position
India says it is in active discussions with Russia to secure the early discharge and return of citizens who remain in military service.
Families’ and Petitioners’ Demands
The petition seeks a coordinated mechanism to assist Indians affected by the conflict and the return of mortal remains.
Support and compensation
Indian Government Position
The Supreme Court’s direction calls for a nodal officer to coordinate assistance and help families pursue compensation claims with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.
Families’ and Petitioners’ Demands
Families and petitioners seek compensation and assistance for Indians who died, went missing, or suffered injuries.
Recruitment circumstances
Indian Government Position
The Ministry of External Affairs warned Indians against risky overseas job offers allegedly made by unscrupulous individuals or agencies.
Families’ and Petitioners’ Demands
The court petition alleges that some Indian nationals were recruited into the Russian military after being deceived by travel agents.
- Indian nationals identified
- 227 Indian nationals were reported to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces.
- Reported deaths
- 51 recruits have reportedly died or perished.
- Discharged recruits
- 139 recruits have reportedly been discharged and are returning home.
- Reported remaining recruits
- The News18 report says 37 remain based on the other figures; another report describes the number as around two dozen.
- Diplomatic efforts
- India said the matter has been raised with Russia at various levels and remains under constant discussion.
- Embassy monitoring
- The Indian Embassy in Moscow is regularly monitoring release and repatriation cases.
- Court direction
- The Supreme Court directed the Centre to appoint a Ministry of External Affairs nodal officer to coordinate assistance for affected families.
Sources
227 Indians Recruited Into Russian Army, 51 Killed; India Seeks Release And Repatriation Of Remaining Nationals | Video
51 Of 227 Indians Recruited In Russian Army Are Dead: Centre
51 Of 227 Indians Serving In Russian Army Killed In Ukraine War, 139 Discharged: MEA
