September 12, 2025
Delhi, India
In a strong diplomatic move amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Russian authorities in Delhi and Moscow to immediately cease the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army and facilitate the swift release of those already enlisted. This renewed push comes after reports emerged of at least 15 Indians trapped on the Ukrainian battlefield, many of whom were lured with false job promises. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the government has repeatedly highlighted the “risks and dangers” of such involvement, issuing fresh advisories for Indian citizens to avoid any offers to join the Russian military. The matter has been escalated through high-level channels, with the Indian Embassy in Moscow actively engaging families and Russian officials for resolutions.
Key Points:
- MEA has taken up the issue with the Russian Ambassador in New Delhi and authorities in Moscow, demanding an end to the practice and release of all affected nationals.
- Reports indicate recent recruitments despite a lull, with Indians entering Russia on student or visitor visas being coerced into service.
- Government advisories since 2024 warn against fraudulent job offers, stressing the life-threatening perils in the conflict zone.
- Coordination with families of victims is ongoing, with diplomatic efforts aiming for expedited discharges.
Trapped on the Frontlines: Stories of Deception and Desperation from Indian Recruits
Recent investigations reveal a troubling pattern where Indian nationals, often from states like Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, are duped by agents promising construction or security jobs in Russia. Instead, they are thrust into the Russia-Ukraine warzone, serving in support roles that escalate to combat duties. On September 11, 2025, Sumit Sharma from Jammu and Kashmir shared a harrowing account from Selydove in Ukraine’s Donetsk region—a town captured by Russia in November 2024—stating that out of 15 recent arrivals, only four remain, with others sent to the frontlines. Sharma pleaded for Indian government intervention, noting no escape options despite appeals to the embassy. This echoes earlier cases, like the February 2024 reports of Indians on tourist visas being forced to fight after initial “helper” roles.
Key Points:
- At least 15 Indians confirmed stuck in Ukraine, with two speaking to media about coercion; claims of 13 others in similar predicaments.
- Recruits arrived via misleading agents; upon reaching Russia, they were given stark choices like joining the army or facing jail.
- Selydove deployment highlights escalation from support tasks (e.g., bunker building) to frontline combat without training.
- Victims have sent distress videos via WhatsApp to the Indian embassy and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, but responses are pending.
Historical Context: From 2024 Promises to 2025 Renewed Recruitments
The recruitment issue surfaced prominently in early 2024, with The Hindu’s February 20 report exposing how Indians were tricked into military roles under false pretenses. By July 2024, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, he raised strong concerns with President Vladimir Putin, leading to assurances of early discharges. The Russian Embassy followed up on August 10, 2024, stating it had ceased admitting Indians since April 2024 and was coordinating with India for releases, denying any fraudulent schemes. Despite this, 2025 reports indicate a resurgence, with about 100 Indians recruited as helpers in the past year alone, per Russian officials. Overall, 126 Indians have been documented in such roles since the war began in 2022, with 12 killed, 96 released, and 16 missing as of recent counts.
Key Points:
- Initial exposures in February 2024 led to MEA acknowledgments and calls for caution; 91 recruited by mid-2024, with 14 discharged and 69 awaiting release.
- Modi’s July 2024 intervention prompted Putin’s acceptance for releases, expected within weeks, including compensation and citizenship offers to families of the deceased.
- Russian Embassy’s August 2024 clarification: No admissions since April; focus on voluntary contracts and full compensation for discharges.
- 2025 resurgence: Fresh cases post-lull, contradicting earlier halts; total deaths now at 12, with ongoing missing persons inquiries.
Broader Implications: Casualties, Diplomatic Tensions, and Global Recruitment Trends
The plight of Indian recruits underscores vulnerabilities in international labor migration, with agents exploiting economic aspirations amid Russia’s manpower shortages in the Ukraine war. At least 12 Indians have died since 2024, including recent cases like Binil Babu in January 2025, prompting families to demand accountability from both governments. Diplomatically, India maintains close ties with Russia—evident in Modi’s visits and trade goals—but this issue strains relations, with MEA demanding a “verified stop” to recruitments. Globally, similar patterns affect Nepalis, Cubans, and Africans, with Russia denying official involvement while informal networks persist. Experts highlight the need for stricter visa scrutiny and anti-trafficking measures to protect citizens.
Key Points:
- Casualties: 12 confirmed deaths, 16 missing; 98 discontinued services through diplomatic engagement, including highest-level interventions.
- Diplomatic Strain: Despite strong India-Russia bonds (e.g., $100 billion trade target by 2030), recruitment persists as a flashpoint; Jaishankar raised it in August 2024.
- Global Parallels: Recruitment networks in major Russian cities target foreigners; India coordinates with Nepal on similar Nepali cases.
- Awareness Campaigns: MEA’s repeated advisories via social media and portals; helpline 1930 for reporting scams.
Government Actions and Future Safeguards: Protecting Indians from Exploitation
India’s response has been multifaceted, combining diplomatic pressure, family support, and public warnings. Post-Modi-Putin talks, releases were facilitated, with the Indian mission aiding returns via documents and tickets. In 2025, amid renewed reports, MEA reiterated its position, urging a complete halt and engaging Russian counterparts for pending cases. To prevent future incidents, enhanced verification for Russia-bound jobs, international cooperation against fraudulent agents, and expanded advisories are recommended. As the Ukraine conflict drags on, India continues balancing strategic partnerships with citizen safety, emphasizing “utmost concern” over unauthorized recruitments.
Key Points:
- Actions Taken: Embassy facilitation for 98 releases; compensation ensured per Russian contracts; ongoing tracking of 16 missing.
- Warnings Renewed: Strong advisories on September 11, 2025; citizens urged to verify offers through official channels.
- Future Measures: Potential bilateral agreements for labor protection; crackdown on Indian recruiting agents involved in scams.
- Call to Action: Report suspicious offers to MEA; families encouraged to contact embassies for assistance in repatriation efforts.
