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The government has repeatedly advised Indians to avoid the conflict zone and warned against fraudulent recruitment networks
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As diplomatic negotiations continue, the situation highlights the broader humanitarian fallout of the war and the urgent need to protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation during global conflicts
The prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict has had devastating consequences far beyond the battlefield, with Indian nationals increasingly emerging as unintended victims of the war. The Union government has informed Parliament that around 202 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since the conflict escalated, making it one of the longest and deadliest wars in Europe since the Second World War. Of these, 26 Indians have reportedly lost their lives, while seven have been declared missing by Russian authorities. Around 50 Indians are still believed to be trapped in active service zones.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), sustained diplomatic engagement has led to the early discharge of 119 Indian nationals so far. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, responding to questions in Parliament on December 17, said efforts were continuing to secure the release of the remaining individuals. His statement came shortly after the mortal remains of two Indians killed in the war arrived in New Delhi, underscoring the human cost of the crisis.
- The issue has drawn renewed attention following reports that Indian youths were lured into Russia with false promises of lucrative jobs, education, or legal relief
- Many reportedly travelled on student or tourist visas, only to be coerced into signing military contracts and sent to frontline areas
- In some cases, Russian authorities allegedly offered prisoners, including foreign nationals, the choice between jail terms and combat duty
This pattern of recruitment began surfacing in early 2023, coinciding with manpower shortages faced by both Russia and Ukraine. Young men from economically vulnerable backgrounds in Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand were reportedly targeted by illegal agents. On the Ukrainian side, unofficial estimates suggest that around 100 Indians may have joined the International Legion, a multinational volunteer force formed in 2022, though official data remains unavailable.
Several recent deaths have intensified demands for accountability. Families of victims have sought justice, transparency, and swift repatriation of remains. The MEA has stated that it is working closely with Indian missions in Russia to ensure DNA-based identification, transportation of mortal remains, and the safety of Indian nationals still affected.
