NEW DELHI, Sep 11 : The plight of Indian citizens forcibly recruited into the Russian army and sent to fight in the ongoing Ukraine conflict has intensified, with reports emerging of severe restrictions and coercion. A young man from Haryana, identified as Vijay, revealed through a message sent via Instagram to a friend that Russian authorities have deleted WhatsApp from the phones of recruited Indian youths after discovering they were sending videos to their families in India.
Vijay further disclosed that he and others are set to be deployed to the frontlines in just three days.
The Indian government has responded swiftly, initiating formal discussions with Russian authorities to address the issue.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Russia to halt the practice of forcibly recruiting Indian nationals and to secure their immediate release.
In a statement today, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army. Over the past year, the government has repeatedly highlighted the risks and dangers of such actions and cautioned citizens accordingly.”
He emphasized that India has raised the matter with Russian officials in both Delhi and Moscow, pressing for an end to this practice and the repatriation of affected citizens.
Jaiswal added, “We strongly urge all Indian nationals to remain vigilant and avoid any offers to join the Russian army, as this is fraught with danger and risks to life.”
The ministry is also in contact with the families of those affected, offering support and assistance.
The issue came to light after Vijay, a resident of Fatehabad, Haryana, sent a message via Facebook Messenger on Wednesday night to his friend Ramesh Kumar, confirming that his WhatsApp had been deleted.
Ramesh responded early Thursday, urging Vijay to stay calm while efforts were made to find a solution. Vijay later communicated via Instagram, highlighting the dire situation.
Families of the affected youths, including Vijay and Ankit Jangra from Fatehabad, have sought help from the Indian Embassy in Moscow, the MEA, and the Ministry of Defence.
Relatives from Haryana and Punjab have traveled to Delhi and Chandigarh to appeal for intervention.
Additionally, a prominent Congress leader and Sirsa MP has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging swift action to rescue the trapped citizens.
Reports indicate that several young men from Haryana, Punjab, Jammu, and Uttar Pradesh were lured to Russia with promises of jobs or educational opportunities, only to be coerced into military service.
Ankit Jangra (23) and Vijay Poonia (25), both from Kumharia village in Fatehabad, traveled to Russia on study and business visas.
Ankit, who left for Moscow on February 14, 2025, enrolled in a language course but took up part-time work as a restaurant helper. Vijay, who had been to Russia earlier, returned in July 2025 on a business visa.
Both were allegedly deceived by an agent who promised employment but instead enlisted them in the Russian army.
In videos sent to their families, the youths described being held in underground bunkers in Selydove, approximately 300 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border, under strict surveillance by commandos.
They claimed that those who attempt to escape are threatened with death. The group, reportedly part of a 15-member batch, includes individuals from Punjab, Jammu, and Uttar Pradesh.
The videos revealed that five of their companions have already died, and four others are missing, with fears they may have been killed in combat.
The Indian government’s ongoing dialogue with Russia follows earlier efforts to secure the release of Indian citizens.
Official data indicates that 127 Indian nationals were recruited into the Russian armed forces, with 98 discharged following diplomatic efforts.
However, 13 remain in service, 12 of whom are reported missing by Russian authorities.
The MEA continues to press for the release of all remaining citizens and the clarification of the status of those unaccounted for.
The situation underscores the dangers of deceptive overseas recruitment schemes, prompting renewed warnings from Indian authorities for citizens to verify job offers through official channels before traveling abroad.
(UNI)
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