51 Of 227 Indians Serving In Russian Army Killed In Ukraine War, 139 Discharged: MEA

Last Updated:September 01, 2026, 02:09 IST

Vikram Misri said the Indian embassy in Moscow was regularly monitoring the situation and working to secure the release of those still serving.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addresses the media, in New Delhi. (File image: PTI)

India on Monday said 51 of the 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army have died, while 139 have been discharged and are in the process of returning home.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave the figures during a briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan. He said India remains in talks with Russia over the release and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals.

India In Talks With Russia

“The issue of our nationals and citizens being recruited into the Russian armed forces has been discussed between India and Russia at various levels on multiple occasions,” Misri said.

He said the Indian embassy in Moscow was regularly monitoring the situation and working to secure the release of those still serving.

“Our embassy in Moscow is regularly monitoring this situation regarding the release and repatriation of these Indian citizens,” Misri said.

“We remain in active discussions with the Russian side to ensure that any remaining cases are discharged at the earliest so that we can return these individuals to their families as soon as possible,” he added.

’51 Indians Have Perished’

Giving the latest figures available, Misri said 227 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian army.

“Out of that number, we have information that 139 of our nationals have been discharged,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we also have information regarding 51 individuals who have perished so far,” Misri added.

He said the issue remained a priority in India’s discussions with Moscow.

“This remains an issue on which we are in constant, ongoing discussions with the Russian side,” he said.

India has repeatedly raised the issue of its nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces, seeking their release and repatriation.

The latest figures were disclosed during the briefing on PM Modi’s meetings in Kyrgyzstan. Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where the two leaders discussed bilateral ties as well as the Ukraine conflict.

India has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward to resolve the conflict and has called for efforts to move towards an end to the war.

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What is India doing to bring back remaining nationals?

India is engaging in diplomatic talks with Russia to secure the release and repatriation of its nationals still serving in the Russian army. The Indian embassy in Moscow is actively monitoring the situation.

How many Indians are still serving in the Russian army?

Out of 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army, 139 have been discharged, and 51 have died. This means 37 Indians are still serving in the Russian army.

Will India continue to discuss this issue with Russia?

India will continue to discuss the issue of its nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces with Russia at various levels. The Indian embassy in Moscow is regularly monitoring the situation to secure the release and repatriation of these citizens.

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