The tragic death of an Indian national in Russia, amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, has prompted a strong response from the Indian government. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its call for the swift repatriation of Indian nationals involved in the war, as well as their safe discharge from Russian military service. Responding to media queries, official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed deep condolences for the loss and confirmed that the embassy is actively engaged with Russian authorities to facilitate the return of the deceased’s mortal remains to India.
“We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow,” Jaiswal remarked in a statement. He also reaffirmed that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is providing assistance to the families of the two men, and that all possible efforts are underway to repatriate the injured and the deceased. “The matter has been strongly raised with the Russian authorities, and we have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge and repatriation of other Indian nationals still involved with the Russian military,” he added.
This incident underscores the ongoing issue of Indian nationals being recruited into Russia’s military under dubious circumstances, particularly in Kerala, where many individuals have fallen victim to such deceptive recruitment schemes.
Background: Recruitment of Indian Nationals to the Russian Army
The death of Binil T. B., a 32-year-old from Kerala’s Thrissur district, and the serious injury of his cousin, Jain T. K., has drawn attention to the troubling trend of Indian nationals being enlisted in the Russian military under false pretences. Binil, who was deployed to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war, tragically lost his life, while Jain is currently hospitalized in Moscow.
Binil and Jain had initially travelled to Russia earlier in the year, under the impression that they would be working in non-combat roles such as electricians and cooks. However, upon arrival, they were coerced into surrendering their Indian passports and forced into military service. They were subsequently sent to the frontlines of the war in Ukraine, where they faced life-threatening conditions. Binil had reached out to his family in distress, sharing their ordeal and highlighting their inability to escape the conflict zone.
In one of his final messages, Binil expressed, “Mentally and physically, we are exhausted. We are now in difficult terrain in Russian-occupied Ukraine. Our commander says our contract is for one year, but we have been pleading for our release.” Despite numerous attempts to contact the Indian Embassy in Moscow, their efforts for help went largely unaddressed, as the embassy could not intervene without the cooperation of the Russian military.
Binil’s tragic death marks the second fatality of an Indian national from Kerala, recruited under similar circumstances. In August of the previous year, another Keralite, Sandeep, was killed in a drone attack while serving in the Russian military.
The Growing Concern in Kerala
The recruitment of Indian nationals into Russia’s military, particularly under false pretences, has sparked significant concern in Kerala, where the issue has gained considerable attention due to the involvement of multiple individuals from the state. Families of the affected individuals are growing increasingly anxious about the whereabouts and safety of their loved ones.
The state government, through NORKA Roots—an agency focused on the welfare of non-resident Keralites—has expressed concern over the growing number of such cases. Ajith Kolassery, CEO of NORKA Roots, commented, “We have heard about the incident. We are awaiting final confirmation from the External Affairs Ministry. For the last couple of months, we had been trying to bring them back.”
The recruitment scheme, which often targets young men from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, promises lucrative job opportunities in Russia. However, many individuals find themselves manipulated into enlisting in the Russian military, where they face not only physical danger but also severe legal and diplomatic complications.
Indian Government’s Response and Diplomatic Efforts
The Indian government has been proactive in addressing the situation, with the MEA making it clear that it will continue pressing Russia for the safe return of its citizens. In addition to the formal request for the repatriation of the deceased and the injured, the government has repeatedly stressed the need for Russia to discharge any remaining Indian nationals who may be serving in its armed forces.
While the Indian Embassy in Moscow has expressed its concern over the lack of cooperation from Russian authorities, it is clear that diplomatic efforts are ongoing. The MEA has stated that it is in constant touch with the Russian government to resolve the situation and facilitate the safe return of Indian nationals caught up in the conflict.
The Larger Issue of Foreign Recruitment for Military Service
The broader issue of foreign nationals being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is part of an ongoing trend where people from various countries, including India, have been lured into military service under false pretences. These individuals are often promised well-paying jobs in support roles but are ultimately forced into combat zones, with few options for escape once they arrive. This situation has raised serious questions about the exploitation of vulnerable foreign workers by Russia.