The number of Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed on Friday, November 7, 2025, that 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian Army — a sharp rise from 27 just two months earlier. The announcement, made during a routine media briefing in New Delhi, comes as at least 12 Indians have been killed fighting on Ukraine’s frontlines, and families across India are demanding answers. "We have once again taken up the matter with Russian authorities to have the Indian nationals released at the earliest," Jaiswal said, his tone urgent. "And we continue to press: don’t be fooled. This isn’t a job offer — it’s a death sentence."
From Student Visas to Frontline Combat
The recruitment isn’t random. Many of these men — some as young as 19 — were lured by promises of quick cash, legal status, or even freedom from criminal records back home. According to The Economic Times, roughly 170 Indians have been recruited by Russian forces since late 2023. Of those, 96 have been discharged, 16 are missing, and 44 remain active. The majority were reportedly on student or business visas when approached, often in cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg. One case, widely reported by Ukrainian officials, involved 22-year-old Majoti Sahil Mohammed from Gujarat, captured in late 2024 after being identified as a soldier in a Russian unit. He claimed he joined after being told he’d be paid well and given residency. But the reality? Many were shoved into combat zones without training. Some were assigned as cooks or drivers — roles that still put them in artillery range. Others were deployed directly to the Donbas region, where Ukrainian drones and artillery strike indiscriminately. The Leningrad Military District, referenced in reports from the Hindustan Times, is one known hub for these deployments.Families Protest, Government Reacts
In the days before the MEA’s statement, dozens of relatives gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, holding photos of sons, brothers, and husbands who vanished after traveling to Russia. "He said he was going for a construction job," said Sunita Devi, whose 21-year-old son, Arjun Kumar, was last heard from in November 2024. "Now we get messages from Russian numbers saying he’s alive — but no one tells us where, or if he’s hurt." The MEA says it’s in constant contact with families — updating them, offering consular support, and urging them not to pay ransom demands. But they can’t force Russia to release them. "We cannot stop an adult from signing a contract," Jaiswal admitted. "But we can scream about the consequences. And we are."Political Timing and Diplomatic Pressure
The timing is no coincidence. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December 2025 — a high-stakes trip meant to reinforce ties between two longtime partners. New Delhi is walking a tightrope: it needs Russia for oil and defense hardware, but can’t ignore the growing outcry over its citizens dying in a war India officially calls "regrettable." Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue personally during his Moscow visit in 2024, according to diplomatic sources. But Russia has offered no concrete commitments. Instead, it continues to recruit in Indian communities, often through intermediaries who pose as employment agents. Indian law enforcement has arrested at least seven such brokers in the last year — in Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad — but the networks are decentralized and hard to dismantle.Why Are They Still Going?
The question haunting families isn’t just "how?" — it’s "why?" For many young men from rural Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, the lure isn’t ideology. It’s desperation. A recruiter might offer ₹8 lakh ($9,500) upfront, a Russian passport in six months, and a "guaranteed" job after the war. Some are former soldiers who were discharged without pensions. Others are debt-ridden students. One 23-year-old from Patna told his sister over WhatsApp: "They said if I survive six months, I get citizenship. That’s more than I’ll ever get here." The MEA’s warnings — repeated since 2023 — have done little to deter them. "It’s not about information," said Dr. Anjali Mehta, a sociologist at Jawaharlal Nehru University. "It’s about hope. When you’re trapped in poverty, even a dangerous promise feels like a ladder."What’s Next?
The MEA says it’s working with Interpol and Russian counterparts to locate missing personnel. It’s also pushing for a bilateral protocol to prevent future recruitment — something Moscow has so far resisted. Meanwhile, the families of the 44 still serving are holding out for one thing: a phone call. Not a message. Not a photo. A voice. Their own son’s voice, saying he’s coming home.Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian nationals have died fighting for Russia in Ukraine?
At least 12 Indian nationals have been confirmed killed while serving in Russian military units in Ukraine, according to Indian diplomatic sources and Ukrainian prisoner records. The actual number may be higher, as some deaths go unreported due to poor communication between Russian units and Indian consular staff. Families often learn of deaths through social media or third-party messages, not official notifications.
What legal consequences do Indians face if they join foreign militaries?
Under Section 12 of the Indian Passport Act, joining a foreign military without government permission can lead to passport cancellation and criminal charges. While enforcement has been inconsistent, the MEA has begun prosecuting recruiters and intermediaries. Those who return may face interrogation, but no citizen has been formally charged for enlistment alone — though some are barred from re-entering government jobs or obtaining visas.
Has Russia ever acknowledged recruiting Indians?
Russia has never officially confirmed recruiting Indian nationals. It treats them as "volunteers" under its own military rules and rarely discloses their nationality. When questioned, Russian officials deflect, calling it an internal matter. Ukrainian forces, however, have publicly identified Indian soldiers in captured documents and video footage, making the presence undeniable despite Russian silence.
What help is the Indian government offering families?
The MEA provides consular assistance, including help contacting Russian authorities, verifying prisoner status, and arranging emergency travel for families seeking to locate relatives. It has set up a dedicated helpline and works with NGOs to provide psychological support. However, there is no financial aid program, and repatriation is entirely dependent on Russian cooperation — which remains minimal.
Are there reports of Indians being forced to join?
Yes. Multiple families and intercepted communications show that some Indians were pressured after their visas expired, threatened with deportation, or coerced into signing contracts under false pretenses. In one case, a man was told he’d be deported unless he enlisted. Others were held in detention centers and offered "freedom" only if they joined. The MEA has documented at least 11 such cases and is seeking legal recourse through international channels.
Why hasn’t India cut ties with Russia over this?
India relies on Russia for over 60% of its defense equipment, including fighter jets, missiles, and spare parts. Cutting ties would cripple military readiness. Additionally, Russia remains a key counterweight to China in India’s strategic calculus. While the MEA condemns the recruitment, New Delhi prefers quiet diplomacy over public confrontation — a balancing act that leaves families feeling abandoned.