Kapurthala, July 25 -- In response to a query raised by Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) confirmed that 12 Indian youths are officially missing in Russia. The issue concerns Indian citizens who were allegedly stranded and forcefully inducted into the Russian armed forces. Seechewal raised the matter in the Parliament on Thursday, urging the ministry to take the issue seriously. Responding to the question, minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the House that 98 have returned to India after serving in the Russian army. Of these, 13 remain in Russian service and 12 others officially listed as missing by Russian authorities. The minister said that the Indian government has urged Russia to provide regular updates on the missing individuals and to ensure their safety, well-being and early release. "For those whose service has concluded, the Indian Embassy in Russia is facilitating their return," the minister stated. HTC...