New Delhi/Chandigarh, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has urged External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts for the safe return of Indian nationals stranded in Russia and ensure assistance for families of Indians who have died during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a letter addressed to the External Affairs Minister, Sant Seechewal sought intervention for tracing Indians reported missing during the war and requested the Government of India to take up the issue of compensation from the Russian government for families of those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Sant Seechewal said he has repeatedly raised the matter in Parliament, including during Zero Hour, and had also planned to raise it during the ongoing Monsoon Session. However, he said disruptions in parliamentary proceedings prevented him from doing so.
He stated that he is currently pursuing cases involving ten Indian youths who are stranded or otherwise affected in Russia. According to him, some youths remain stranded, some have been reported missing, while others have lost their lives during the conflict.
Highlighting individual cases, Sant Seechewal said Mahikpreet Singh had travelled to Russia on a study visa and is currently in custody. He said that despite the family depositing the fine imposed by the court, Mahikpreet has not yet been released.
He also mentioned the case of Gagandeep Singh, who suffered serious injuries while serving in the Russian Army during the Russia-Ukraine war and is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The Rajya Sabha member further said that Jarnail Singh, Harvinder Singh and Jagroop Singh have remained missing for a long time while serving in the Russian Army. He urged the Centre to coordinate with Russian authorities to trace their whereabouts and provide accurate information to their families.
Expressing concern over the death of Hira Singh from Amritsar, Sant Seechewal said his mortal remains have not yet been brought back to India. He requested the government to coordinate with Russian authorities for early repatriation of the body and provide support to the bereaved family.
He also demanded that the Centre take necessary steps to ensure compensation from the Russian government for families of Indians killed during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Sant Seechewal stressed the need for a detailed investigation into alleged human trafficking networks and illegal agents, claiming that many agents exploit Indian youths by taking control of their earnings and bank accounts, leaving families facing financial and emotional distress.
He said several other Indian youths, including Avinash Kumar, Vishal Singh, Ranjit Singh, Ramanjit Singh and Sikandar Singh, continue to remain stranded in Russia, with their families living in uncertainty.
The Rajya Sabha member appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy to intervene urgently and ensure the safe return of all affected Indian nationals.
Allegations of coercion into Russian Army through legal and administrative pressure
Sant Seechewal also highlighted allegations made by some affected families that certain Indian youths in Russia are being trapped in legal and administrative complications and later subjected to pressure to join the Russian Army.
He urged the Central Government to raise the matter with Russian authorities and seek a fair and impartial investigation into these allegations.
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