India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spoke in Parliament on Friday about Indians fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. The ministry answered unstarred questions in the Rajya Sabha from MPs Saket Gokhale and Randeep Singh Surjewala.

In a statement titled ‘Reparation of Indian nationals in the Russian Army’, the MEA said 202 Indians joined the Russian armed forces. This happened after the war escalated in February 2024. The ministry said it has already secured the early discharge of 119 Indians.

Deaths and missing Indians

The MEA said 26 Indian nationals have died in the war. It also said seven Indians are missing on the Russian side of the border.

The government is trying to get 50 more Indians released from the Russian military. It is also working to recover the bodies of 10 Indians killed in combat. The ministry said it shared DNA samples of 18 Indians reported dead or missing with Russian authorities.

India stays in touch with Russia

The MEA said the government remains in constant contact with Russia. “The Government of India remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces,” the statement said.

It added that officials raise the issue at many levels. “This matter is discussed at various levels, including during interactions between leaders, ministers, and officials of the two sides,” the ministry said.

Questions over recruitment methods

Many questions remain about how Russian authorities recruited Indian nationals. Since the war began in 2022, Russia has expanded recruitment efforts to 128 countries. President Vladimir Putin launched the military campaign.

The conflict has become the deadliest war since World War II. Estimates suggest more than one million people have died. Russia Matters reported that Russia has suffered over 790,000 soldiers killed or wounded. Nearly 85,000 are missing.

Over nearly four years, Russia has captured about 12 per cent of Ukraine. It now controls close to 20 per cent of the country. This includes Crimea and other earlier seized areas.

Epstein’s links with Bill Clinton

Separately, US Department of Justice documents renewed attention on Jeffrey Epstein’s links with Bill Clinton. The records show Epstein visited the White House 17 times during the early years of Clinton’s presidency.

After leaving office in 2001, Clinton travelled on Epstein’s private jet. These trips included visits to Asia and Africa for the Clinton Global Initiative. Clinton has never faced formal charges linked to Epstein.

Trump’s claims and House panel action

Donald Trump has repeatedly hinted at wrongdoing. He has linked Clinton to Epstein without evidence. Last month, he asked the DoJ and FBI to “investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton”.

The DoJ also released photos on Friday. Many featured Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. The former secretary of state and presidential candidate will give depositions to the House oversight committee over their ties to Epstein.

The depositions were first planned for last week. Officials moved them to January 13 and 14 due to the DoJ document release deadline. Committee chair James Comer warned of contempt action if the Clintons do not appear, Politico reported.