India on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the release of all Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military, following the death of Binil T.B. from Kerala in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This development has brought the death toll of Indians in the conflict zone to 10.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Tuesday that Binil, hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, had died on the frontlines, and another Indian national, also from Kerala, was injured and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Moscow.
“We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army,” Jaiswal said. “Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.”
Our response to media queries regarding death of an Indian national in Russia:https://t.co/pkC6jXkRin pic.twitter.com/2q6PELLHPl
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 14, 2025
The MEA expressed its condolences to Binil’s family and assured them of assistance. “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered,” Jaiswal said. He further stated that efforts were underway to facilitate the early transportation of Binil’s mortal remains to India.
The MEA has strongly taken up the matter with Russian authorities both in Moscow and at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. “We have also sought an early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person,” Jaiswal added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier raised the issue of the early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July last year.
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According to news agency PTI, official figures reveal that nine Indian nationals have died in similar circumstances in recent months, with Binil’s death bringing the toll to 10.
Binil T B(32), an electrician from Thrissur, and his cousin-in-law, Jain T K (27), both ITI mechanical diploma holders, embarked on a journey to Russia on April 4, with the aspiration of securing employment as electricians and plumbers.
However, upon their arrival, their Indian passports were confiscated, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Instead of being allowed to pursue their chosen professions, they were unexpectedly deployed to the war zone as part of the Russian Military Support Service, as per their relatives, PTI reported.
Binil and Jain found themselves stranded in a war-torn region of Ukraine. Their mobile phones and other valuables were lost, further exacerbating their already dire circumstances. In an effort to secure their return, they had been reaching out to the authorities for assistance.
The duo had traveled to Russia on private visas, which were facilitated by a relative who was already serving in the Russian Army. However, this relative was among several Indians who were discharged by Moscow earlier this year due to intervention by the Indian government.
Jain sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in Moscow, as reported by their relatives. Binil had previously informed his family about their assignment to front-line service in the war-torn region.
In October 2023, Indian officials reported that 85 Indian nationals had been discharged from the Russian military, and efforts were ongoing to secure the release of 20 more. The Russian embassy in New Delhi confirmed in August 2024 that both nations were working closely to facilitate the identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily joined contractual military service and now wish to return home.
The Russian Ministry of Defence ceased recruiting citizens of several foreign countries, including India, into its military services in April 2023.
