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MEA Parliament replies (18-19 Dec 2025): Indians in Russian army, border trade, Afghanistan

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Battle IAS current affairs title card: MEA Parliament replies (18-19 Dec 2025): Indians in Russian army, border trade, Afghanistan (GS2 · Parliament replies, 19 December 2025)

What happened

  • 202 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces; 119 were discharged early, 26 died, 7 are missing and efforts continue for 50 [MEA, Rajya Sabha reply].
  • India-China border trade runs through Lipulekh (since 1992), Shipki La (1995) and Nathu La (2006); it stopped in 2020 and both sides agreed in August 2025 to reopen all three [MEA, Rajya Sabha reply].
  • An Air Freight Corridor on Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar routes was a key outcome of the Afghan Commerce Minister’s visit (19-25 November 2025) [MEA, Lok Sabha reply].

Background

  • The Winter Session was adjourned sine die on 19 December 2025 [PIB].

Why it matters

  • The three trade passes are a classic Prelims match: pass, State and year.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Parliament and State legislatures

  1. As per MEA (2025-12-19): 202 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces; 119 were discharged early, 26 died, 7 are missing and efforts continue for 50.
  2. The three trade passes are a classic Prelims match: pass, State and year.
Quotable data point

India-China border trade runs through Lipulekh (since 1992), Shipki La (1995) and Nathu La (2006); it stopped in 2020 and both sides agreed in August 2025 to reopen all three.

MEA: RS Q2150 Resumption of border trade through Nathula, 18 Dec 2025

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: Lipulekh (Uttarakhand), Shipki La (Himachal), Nathu La (Sikkim). · Mains: Indians recruited into foreign armies.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Nathu La has been a designated India-China trade point since

Answer (c) & explanation

MEA (Parliament reply).

Practice · UPSC

Shipki La pass is in

Answer (c) & explanation

MEA (Parliament reply).

Go deeper

ExplainerIndia-China Relations: Panchsheel to Galwan, the Boundary Dispute and LAC, Border Agreements, Trade Deficit, Water, Tibet and the 2024 Thaw (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerRajya Sabha (Council of States): Composition, Election, Special Powers and the Debate on its Role (UPSC Notes + PYQs)

Official source: MEA: RS Q2150 Resumption of border trade through Nathula, 18 Dec 2025

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending