MP Beniwal Urges Immediate Action to Rescue 61 Indians Trapped in Russian Army Ahead of Putin’s Visit
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India, Lok Sabha MP Hanuman Beniwal on Wednesday (December 3) raised the issue of the safety of 61 Indian nationals allegedly enlisted in the Russian military to participate in the ongoing war against Ukraine. These individuals, who had originally traveled to Russia on student and work visas, are said to have joined the Russian armed forces despite repeated government advisories against such action.
Rashtriya Loktantrik Party MP Beniwal from Nagaur, Rajasthan emphasised the need for urgent diplomatic engagement to ensure the safe return of these citizens.
“It is necessary to ensure the safety of these Indians and to engage in immediate talks with the Russian government to safely bring them out of the war zone and initiate strong efforts for their return to the homeland,” Beniwal said during the Zero Hour.
He noted that as per the details received from families 61 men have been forced to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war since months adding that the families of the affected individuals have not been able to contact them for three to four months, causing significant mental distress.
Further, Beniwal added: "Many families are suffering from mental harassment and living in fear. The families protested at Jantar Mantar twice and conveyed their concerns to the government. The issue should be raised at the highest political level.”
The issue traces back to 2024, when India formally raised the matter with Russia. Following sustained diplomatic efforts, the Russian Embassy announced in August 2024 that it would no longer recruit Indian nationals into its armed forces, while cooperating with Indian authorities to discharge those already enlisted to participate in the war against Ukraine. This development came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this issue with President Putin during his Moscow visit in July 2024.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) data presented to the Rajya Sabha in July 2024 indicated that 127 Indians were serving in the Russian military at the time. Of these, 98 had been discharged through government intervention, while 13 remained enlisted, with 12 reported missing by the Russian side.
On November 8, the MEA confirmed that 44 Indian nationals continue to serve in the Russian Army.
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