NEW DELHI: As reports surfaced about the death of another Indian national serving in the Russian army, the Indian govt said Tuesday that it had strongly taken up the issue with Russian authorities both here and in Moscow and reiterated its demand for early discharge of remaining Indian nationals still working with the Russian forces.
A Kerala man, employed by the Russian military support service, was reported killed on Monday in the ongoing war. A relative of the victim was also injured.
“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,” said the ministry of external affairs in a statement, while offering condolences to the family of the deceased. “Our embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered. We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person,” said the ministry.
“The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals,” it added.
The govt told Parliament last month, at present 19 Indian nationals are serving in Russian armed forces. It also said that, till Aug last year, eight Indians had died while serving in the military. India has requested the Russian authorities concerned to provide an update on the whereabouts of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces and also ensure their safety, well-being and early discharge.
