The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday confirmed the death of one more Nepali serving in the Russian army.

In a statement, the ministry said it has received information that Kundan Singh Nagal has died. The ministry hasn’t made other details public except for his passport number. This takes the official tally of Nepalis killed in the Russia-Ukraine war to seven.

The ministry is, however, yet to officially announce the death of Bharat Shah of Kailali. The 36-year-old man of ward 1 of Tikapur Municipality of Kailali district, who joined the Russian army three months ago, died on November 26, according to the family. Shah’s family members performed the final rites by making an effigy of kush, a holy grass, as per the Hindu tradition last week. They said they made the decision as they were unsure if the body would be repatriated.

Earlier, on December 1, the ministry had confirmed the death of at least six Nepali nationals serving in the Russian army while fighting Ukrainian forces.

A total of four Nepalis have been held captive by Ukrainian forces, according to the ministry.

The ministry said it is making diplomatic efforts through the International Committee of the Red Cross and other channels for the release and repatriation of Vivek Khatri of Bardiya, Siddhartha Dhakal of Kavre, Vikas Rai of Morang and Pratik Pun of Rolpa, who are in captivity.

Similarly, the ministry said the provision of obtaining no objection certificate for travel to Russia except for those who are involved in government work, scholarship of the Russian government and those in a profession or business has been extended to other countries.

The foreign ministry has appealed to one and all to obtain the certificate from Nepali diplomatic missions in case of travel to Russia from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

The ministry said it has renewed its call to the Russian government to send the bodies of the Nepalis killed in the Russia-Ukraine war and provide compensation to the victims’ families.

Nepal has once again requested the Russian government not to recruit Nepali citizens into the Russian army and if any Nepali nationals have been recruited, to immediately return them to Nepal.

It is believed that around 200 Nepalis are currently serving in the Russian Army in different capacities despite the government's request not to risk lives there. Similarly, according to foreign ministry officials, some Nepali youths are also serving in the Ukrainian Army, but their exact number is not known.

Earlier, several videos circulating on social media showed Nepali youths serving in Russian and Ukrainian armies. The videos claimed they joined the warring forces risking their lives just to earn for their livelihood. In the videos, they are heard as saying they could earn up to Rs400,000 a month.

Nepal only allows recruitment in the Indian and British Army in line with bilateral agreements reached with the respective countries.

Published on: 21 December 2023 | The Kathmandu Post