Archive · 19 Dec 2025
202 Indians Recruited by Russian Army
Since 2022, 202 Indian people have joined the Russian Army.
Out of these, 26 have died, and 7 are missing.
The Indian government has helped 119 people come back home, but 50 are still waiting to be released.
The government is working hard to bring everyone back safely.
They have also shared DNA samples to identify the dead.
The Indian Embassy in Russia is helping with travel and other support.
The government is talking to Russian leaders to make sure all Indians come home.
The Russian defense ministry stopped recruiting Indians in April 2024, but some are still waiting because of their contracts.
202 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022.
26 Indians have died, and 7 are missing in the Russia-Ukraine war.
119 Indians have been discharged, while 50 are still awaiting release.
DNA samples of 18 families have been shared with Russian authorities for identification.
The Indian government is actively engaging with Russian authorities for the safe return of all Indians.
- Who
- Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces
- What
- Recruitment and fatalities in the Russia-Ukraine war
- When
- Since 2022; disclosed on December 18, 2024
- Where
- Russia-Ukraine war zone
- Why
- Allegedly forced or illegally recruited
Indian Government
Russian Authorities
Recruitment Process
Indian Government
Many Indians were allegedly duped by unscrupulous agents and hired as support staff.
Russian Authorities
Recruitment was conducted through official channels, with contracts for military service.
Release of Indians
Indian Government
Efforts are being made to secure the release of the remaining 50 Indians.
Russian Authorities
Contracts for military service have delayed the release of several Indians.
- Total Recruited
- 202
- Fatalities
- 26
- Missing
- 7
- Discharged
- 119
- Awaiting Release
- 50
- DNA Samples Shared
- 18
- Repatriated Remains
- 10
- Locally Cremated
- 2
Sources
Promised Job, Sent to Russia-Ukraine War: Bikaner Youth Returns Home in a Coffin; Family Demands Probe
‘He was deceived and forcibly recruited’: Killed in Russia-Ukraine war, Rajasthan youth’s body returns to village
202 Indians joined Russian Army since 2022; 26 dead, 7 missing: Centre tells RS
Centre’s big update on Indian nationals recruited by Russia to fight Ukraine
‘If Russia is an ally…’: Uttarakhand youth’s death in war plunges family into despair
26 Indians working in Russian forces died: Govt to RS
26 Indians in Russian armed forces dead, seven missing, Centre tells Parliament - Telegraph India
