The Indian embassy in Moscow announced on Wednesday March 6 the death of one of its citizens who had been recruited by the Russian army. His relatives assured AFP that he had been sent to fight in Ukraine. Around a hundred Indians were recruited by Russia for its army.
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His name was Mohammed Asfan. His death was confirmed by Indian authorities. He was part of these Indian citizens enlisted by Moscow for the needs of the Russian army, which attacked Ukraine a little over two years ago.
The Indian embassy in the Russian capital did not specify the circumstances of Mohammed Asfan’s death. But she assured that she was in contact with her family and the Russian authorities. “ The mission will endeavor to send his remains to India », Wrote the embassy on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
We have learned about the tragic death of an Indian national Shri Mohammed Asfan. We are in touch with the family and Russian authorities. Mission will make efforts to send his mortal remains to India.@MEAIndia
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) March 6, 2024
At the end of February, Mohammed Asfan’s brother, Mohammed Imran, told AFP that his brother had been missing for almost two months. The last time he called was from the town of Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia, and he described being sent to the front line. Mohammed Imran said another Indian soldier, who managed to escape, told his family that his brother Mohammed Asfan, 30, had been injured by a bullet.
Another Indian national, aged 23 and from the state of Gujarat, was killed in a Ukrainian airstrike while working as a “security guard”, local media reported in February, citing relatives and another Indian soldier on the front line.
Indian soldiers said they agreed to enlist in exchange for attractive salaries and a Russian passport. They also said they were promised they would not fight but were trained in the use of Kalashnikovs and other weapons before being sent to Ukraine.
(with AFP)