Indian media reported on Wednesday that a group of men from northern India, alleging they were deceived into fighting for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, are urging their government to assist in their release.
In a video released by NDTV, seven men clad in green military attire resembling that of Russian soldiers appeared in a dimly lit room.
According to NDTV, these men departed for Russia on December 27 to celebrate the New Year, intending to visit neighboring Belarus thereafter.
One of the men, identified as Harsh, 19, stated in the video, “A [tour] agent offered to take us to Belarus… we were not aware we needed a visa. When we went to Belarus [without a visa] the agent asked us for more money and then abandoned us.”
He further explained that they were apprehended by the police and handed over to Russian authorities who coerced them into signing documents and compelled them to participate in the conflict against Ukraine.
Harsh’s family, contacted by NDTV, revealed that he had traveled to Russia seeking employment opportunities. His mother recounted, “He told us they had been caught by Russian soldiers who threatened him with 10 years of jail and recruited him. He said he was forced to do military training.” She expressed her desire for the government to ensure her son’s safe return.
India’s Foreign Ministry recently announced efforts to secure the release of approximately 20 citizens who are “stuck” within the Russian military. Earlier reports from February indicated that Indian recruits were enticed into joining the Russian Armed Forces with promises of lucrative salaries and citizenship.
While neither India nor Russia has explicitly confirmed whether these Indian nationals were deployed to the Ukrainian front lines, it has been revealed that Moscow’s recruitment endeavors extend beyond Central Asian countries to include citizens of India, Cuba, Nepal, and others.
