New Delhi, Jan 14 (UNI) India today took up strongly with Russia the issue of the death of an Indian national from Kerala in the conflict with Ukraine, and reiterated the demand for the early release of all remaining Indian nationals serving in Russia.
In a statement, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the family of the dead Indian, and is working to bring back the body.
He said that India is also in touch with Russia for the release of another Indian national, also from Kerala, who is reported to have been injured in the ongoing conflict.
The statement read:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
PM Modi had raised the issue of Indian nationals working in the Russian Army during his visit to Moscow in July last year. Then Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra had said in a briefing that the government does not have any specific numbers of the Indians working in the Russian Army, but estimated it to be between 35-50.
Later, the Indian government said that around 19 Indians are still working in the Russian Army.
In September last year, the MEA said that 45 Indian nationals recruited by the Russian Army have returned home so far.
UNI RN