The Russia-Ukraine war has drawn in over 200 Indians into the Russian army, the government told Parliament. While many have returned, at least 50 Indians remain trapped. Authorities have confirmed 26 deaths and seven missing, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Indians Recruited Into the Russian Army Through Deception and Pressure
The government has stated that around 202 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian army during the ongoing Ukraine war. Many of these individuals did not travel to Russia with the intention of fighting in a war. Instead, they were reportedly lured by agents with promises of high-paying jobs, education opportunities, or safe work conditions.
Several Indians entered Russia on tourist or student visas. Once there, many were allegedly forced or pressured into signing military contracts with the Russian army. In some cases, reports say individuals facing legal trouble in Russia were given a choice. They could either serve a prison sentence or join the Russian army. Those who joined were sent to the front lines.
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This recruitment trend came to light in early 2023. Reports showed South Asian youth being pushed into combat roles. Many had little or no military training. They were sent into dangerous war zones under the command of the Russian army, where survival chances were low. . Salaries promised to them were reportedly delayed or never paid, and escaping frontline deployment was described as extremely difficult.
The war itself has created manpower shortages, making foreign recruits more attractive. On the Russian side, policies allowing foreign volunteers made it easier for the Russian army to absorb overseas recruits. For unemployed or financially struggling youth, especially from economically weaker regions, these offers appeared tempting at first but later turned into life-threatening situations.
Deaths and Missing Indians in the Russian Army, Government Data Shows
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that out of the 202 Indians believed to have joined the Russian army, 26 have died during the conflict. Additionally, seven Indians serving with the Russian army have been reported missing by Russian authorities. These numbers reflect the growing human toll of the war on foreign nationals.
The government also shared that DNA samples from the families of 18 Indians who were reported dead or missing while linked to the Russian army have been provided to Russian authorities. This step was taken to help identify bodies recovered from conflict zones, where conditions often make identification difficult.
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So far, the mortal remains of 10 Indian nationals have been brought back to India. In two other cases, local cremation was carried out in coordination with families. These processes required extensive documentation, DNA verification, and coordination between Indian missions and authorities handling cases involving the Russian army.
Earlier government statements had reported lower numbers of casualties and missing persons, but the latest figures show a sharp rise. This indicates that the risks faced by Indians serving or trapped in the Russian army have increased as the conflict continues with no clear end in sight.
On the Ukrainian side, unofficial media reports suggest that some Indians may have joined volunteer units fighting for Ukraine. However, there are no official figures available. What remains clear is that Indian nationals have been affected on multiple fronts by the prolonged conflict.
Diplomatic Efforts and Repatriation Challenges
The central government has informed Parliament that sustained diplomatic efforts have led to the early discharge of 119 Indians from the Russian army. These individuals have been assisted in returning home, with the government helping arrange travel documents and air tickets where necessary.
Despite these efforts, 50 Indians are still believed to be serving in or trapped within the Russian army. The government has stated that it remains in continuous contact with Russian authorities at multiple levels to secure their early discharge and ensure their safety.
Indian missions in Russia are actively involved in coordinating assistance, including evacuation of mortal remains and support for those who have been discharged from the Russian army. This includes working closely with families in India to complete identification procedures and legal formalities.
The government has also repeatedly warned Indian citizens to stay away from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These advisories were issued after reports emerged of fresh cases of Indians being lured into joining the army. The warnings stress that travel to conflict zones or accepting suspicious overseas job offers can have serious and irreversible consequences.
The ongoing war has shown how quickly ordinary people can become trapped in global conflicts far from home. Families of those affected continue to seek answers and clarity, while authorities work through diplomatic channels to manage a complex and emotionally charged situation involving Indians still linked to the Russian army.