Sat Aug 02 06:48:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article version of the provided text:

**Summary:**

MDMK MP Durai Vaiko has accused the Russian government of forcibly conscripting Indian citizens into its army for the war against Ukraine. He claims that 12 Indians have already died and 16 are missing, with potentially many more serving unofficially. He highlighted the case of Kishor Saravanan from Cuddalore, who was allegedly drugged and forced into military training. Vaiko stated that these individuals went to Russia for education or work and were then compelled to sign citizenship papers and join the army. He has raised the issue with the External Affairs Minister and Foreign Secretary, and the matter has been referred to the Home Ministry.

**News Article:**

**Indian MP Alleges Forced Conscription of Indians into Russian Army, Claims Casualties**

**Chennai, August 2, 2025 (The Hindu) -** Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko has leveled serious accusations against the Russian government, alleging the forced conscription of Indian citizens into the Russian army fighting in Ukraine. Vaiko claims a significant number of Indians, lured to Russia for education or employment, have been coerced into military service.

“Already 12 Indians have lost their lives in the war, and 16 persons have disappeared,” stated Mr. Vaiko, speaking in Parliament on Friday. He highlighted the case of Kishor Saravanan, a youth from Cuddalore who he claims was drugged and forced to undergo military training, facing imminent deployment to the war front.

According to data cited by Mr. Vaiko from the Ministry of External Affairs, 126 Indians were forced to fight in the war. He emphasized that these individuals were allegedly compelled to sign citizenship forms before being conscripted. “This is official. Unofficially, many more are serving in the Russian Army. They are not just from Tamil Nadu, but from many parts of India,” he added.

The parents of Kishor Saravanan have corroborated the MP’s claims, stating they sent their son to Russia to study medicine after selling their land. “We sold our land and sent him to study… But now, he is being forced to fight in the war,” they lamented.

Mr. Vaiko stated that he has brought the matter to the attention of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. “Mr. Misri told me the files have been sent to the Home Ministry,” he said, indicating that the Indian government is taking the allegations seriously.

The allegations raise serious concerns about the treatment of Indian citizens in Russia and the potential for further casualties in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Indian government is expected to investigate the matter further and engage with Russian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals.

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