According to Indian media reports, twelve Indian nationals have been killed, and sixteen are missing after being misled into joining the Russian Army and deployed in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 126 Indians were duped into traveling to Russia under the pretext of lucrative jobs or dubious educational opportunities.
The victims’ passports were confiscated upon arrival, and they were trained for combat roles before being sent to the frontlines. Of the 126 cases reported, 96 individuals have been released and repatriated to India, while 18 remain in combat. Among these, 16 are listed as missing by Russian authorities.
The Indian government has intensified efforts to secure the safe return of the remaining nationals. “We are in constant communication with Russian authorities for their release and repatriation,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during bilateral meetings in July and October 2024. President Putin assured full cooperation in discharging Indians misled into the Russian armed forces.
A human trafficking network stretching from India to Russia has been identified as orchestrating this racket. Indian police have arrested at least four individuals involved. Social media platforms and local agents were used to lure victims, primarily from Kerala, Punjab, and Haryana.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar condemned the exploitation, vowing “the toughest legal action” against those responsible. A viral video in early 2024 showed duped Indian men pleading for help from the battlefront, bringing national attention to the issue.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that no Indian should ever be coerced into participating in foreign conflicts.
