26 Indians Killed in Russia-Ukraine War, Government Tells Parliament

Kyiv: The Ministry of External Affairs presented the entire situation in Parliament on Thursday, 18 December 2025, regarding Indian citizens trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war. The ministry said that from the year 2022 till now, 202 Indian citizens have been recruited in the Russian Army. Of these, 26 people have died, while 7 Indians are still unaccounted for.

How did this issue arise in Parliament?

The issue was raised in Parliament when Congress MP Randeep Surjewala and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale questioned what the government was doing to bring back Indians who were drafted into the Russian army during the war. Both the MPs said that many Indians were wrongly trapped there and now their families are in trouble.

How many Indians have been brought back safely so far?

In response, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the government is continuously working on this matter. He said that so far 119 Indian citizens have been safely brought back to India from Russia. All this has been possible through talks with the Indian Embassy in Russia and the officials there.

How many Indians are still stranded in Russia?

The minister also said that currently about 50 Indian citizens are in Russia who want to come back. The government is alert about their safety and is in touch with the Russian authorities so that they can be brought home as soon as possible.

What help did the government provide in the cases of dead Indians?

Information was also given on the role of the government in the cases of deceased Indian citizens. According to the minister, the Ministry of External Affairs has helped in bringing the bodies of 10 Indians to India. In two cases, the last rites were performed there as per the wishes of the family. Apart from this, in 18 such cases, where people are said to be killed or missing, DNA samples of their family members have been handed over to the Russian authorities.

How are the missing and dead being identified?

The Ministry of External Affairs said that the Indian Embassy in Russia has been standing with the families in the process of identification and safe evacuation of the bodies. After the identity was confirmed, after talking to the family, it was decided whether the last rites would be performed there or the body would be brought to India. Full assistance was also given in the necessary paperwork for this.

What is the government doing next?

The government also said that arrangements have been made for the return of Indians who have been discharged from the Russian Army, including travel documents and flight tickets. The ministry says that it considers the safety and dignified return of every Indian citizen as its responsibility.