An Indian man who traveled to Russia has reported that ten Indians have died while fighting in the Ukraine war. These individuals were among those recruited into the Russian army, often under false pretenses of job opportunities or education.

The recruitment process involves luring Indian citizens with promises of high salaries and comfortable living conditions for jobs that are purported to be non-combat roles. However, upon arrival in Russia, their passports are confiscated, and they are coerced into signing contracts, often in Russian, which many do not understand. They then receive military training and are deployed to the front lines in the war zone.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 202 Indian citizens have been recruited by Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine since 2022. Of these, 119 have been successfully discharged and have returned home due to the efforts of the Indian government. However, 26 are confirmed dead, and seven are reported missing. Fifty Indian citizens are still believed to be serving in the Russian army.

The recent deaths of Indian nationals have sparked outrage and concern in India, prompting the government to repeatedly warn its citizens against falling for false promises from Russian recruiters. Testimonies and reports indicate that a major human trafficking network is operating, using social media and local agents to lure vulnerable individuals with the promise of jobs, university admissions, and visa extensions.

The Indian government has stated it is actively engaged with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces. The Ministry has also assisted in the repatriation of the remains of deceased Indian soldiers and facilitated local cremations. DNA samples from family members of those reported dead or missing have been shared with Russian authorities to help identify the remains.

The issue was raised during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia in 2024, where he was assured that all Indian citizens would be discharged from the Russian army. Despite these assurances, recruitment efforts have continued.

Unofficial estimates suggest that some Indians have also joined the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine, a multinational unit of volunteers, with at least two reported dead.