NEW DELHI: An Indian soldier died while fighting along with Russian forces in Ukraine, said one of his relatives on Monday, the fifth confirmed death so far of an Indian national in the conflict.
Moscow is believed to have hired thousands of foreign soldiers including Indians to bolster its forces and New Delhi has sought their repatriation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this month and was given assurance on the matter, India’s foreign ministry said.
Ravi Moun, 22, went to Russia in January after he was promised a job by a private recruitment agent, his brother Ajay told western media by phone. But he was later given arms training and forced to join Russian forces fighting with Ukraine.
“After losing contact with him, I approached the Indian embassy in Moscow and they informed us that my brother has died,” Ajay said. He said the embassy was asked the family to send DNA samples to identify Moun’s body.
More than two years since Russia’s war started, tens of thousands of its soldiers have been killed in Ukraine. India’s foreign ministry last week said that the government was still working with Russian authorities to repatriate around 50 Indians fighting alongside the Russian army.
According to Indian media reports four other Indian soldiers have died so far this year. Indian authorities have apprehended several people accused of trafficking citizens of the country to fight for the Russian army.
The people have opted to travel to Russia for fighting against Ukraine as the unemployment remains high in India and huge numbers seek work abroad each year.
