Ravi Moun, a 22-year-old man from Haryana, India, died, serving the Russian army, according to his family and the Indian embassy in Moscow.
Ravi's brother, Ajay, claims that he was sent to Russia on January 13 for a transportation job but instead was inducted into the Russian Army.
Ajay Moun wrote to the embassy on July 21 for information on his brother's whereabouts.
"The embassy told us that he has died," he said.
Ajay alleges that Ravi was forced to fight in Ukraine, and was trained to dig trenches before being sent to the frontline.
The family says they were in touch with Ravi until March 12, when he expressed his distress.
The Indian embassy in Moscow has confirmed Ravi's death and requested a DNA test from his close relatives to identify his body. The embassy has also offered assistance in transporting his mortal remains back to India.
According to the Indian embassy's reply to Ajay Moun's letter, "The embassy had requested the concerned Russian authorities for confirmation of his death and transportation of his mortal remains requested by you. The Russian side has confirmed his death. However, to identify the body, they need a DNA test from his close relatives."
Ravi's family has requested help from the Indian government to bring his body back, as they do not have the financial means to do so. They had sold their land and spent a significant amount of money to send Ravi to Russia in the first place.
This incident comes after India's demands for the early release and return of Indian nationals who were inducted into the Russian military.
Russia had agreed to India's demands earlier this month, promising to ensure the early discharge of all Indian nationals from the army.
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