India 'strongly takes' up matter with Moscow after Kerala man dies fighting for Russia

The ministry said India has also reiterated its demand for the early discharge of other citizens from the country who have been inducted into the Russian army.

According to the family of Binil Babu, 32, from Thrissur in Kerala, had said that he and a relative had been injured in a drone attack.

The family was later informed that Babu had died and the relative was undergoing treatment after suffering severe injuries.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow."

Jaiswal said India's embassy in Moscow is in touch with both families and is helping them in every possible way.

The ministry is working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the Babu's body to India and has also sought "early discharge and repatriation to India" of the injured person.

"The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," Jaiswal said.

In October last year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said 85 Indians had been discharged from the Russian military and efforts were on to secure the release of 20 more.