Last week, the Indian government announced that Russia has released dozens of the 91 Indian nationals who were misled into fighting for Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With several already back home, efforts are being made to repatriate the remaining individuals. BBC reporter Neyaz Farooquee spoke with some of these men about their harrowing experiences.
“I am in panic. I am not sure if I will return safely or in a box. Please save me.” This urgent message came from Urgen Tamang, a former Indian soldier, just days before he was set to be discharged from the front lines of the conflict, which is entering its third year in February.
Tamang is among many Indians, primarily from impoverished backgrounds, who were enticed into the fight by agents promising jobs and financial rewards, sometimes posing as “helpers” for the Russian military. Instead, they found themselves thrust into combat zones, often in areas under Russian control, facing immense dangers such as landmines, drone attacks, missiles, and snipers—all with little to no military training.
Tragically, nine Indians have already lost their lives in this conflict, prompting Indian authorities to arrest 19 individuals for their roles in human trafficking.
Following a visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow in July, where he voiced concerns about Indian nationals fighting for Russia to President Vladimir Putin, Russia committed to the prompt release of all Indian recruits. Since then, 45 have been discharged, with some safely returned to India while others, like Tamang, are still on their way home.
“I can’t believe I am out of there,” said Sunil Karwa, an electrician from Rajasthan, as he spoke from Moscow airport while waiting for his flight. Reflecting on his traumatic experiences near Bakhmut, a city heavily affected by conflict, he recounted the loss of a neighbor from his village who succumbed to injuries just 15 days after being sent back into action. “He is paralyzed now,” he added, his voice low.
Many recruits, primarily blue-collar workers aged 19 to 35, were persuaded to join by agents operating in India, Dubai, and Russia. They often signed contracts in Russian, a language they didn’t understand, motivated by the promise of better prospects. “The process was so quick—just a few signatures and photos, and we were in,” Karwa shared.
Raja Pathan joined the military in February as a last resort after being misled by an education consultant into enrolling in a nonexistent college. Upon arriving in Russia, he saw recruitment banners for the military and, despite his doubts, felt compelled to join after having invested so much time and money.
The death of two friends ultimately pushed Pathan to escape. He managed to be released in August, with the help of a supportive Russian commander, and is now in Moscow, assisting others who want to leave.
Mohammad Sufyan returned to India on September 12, burdened by haunting memories from the frontline. “There was little rest, and for the first 25 days, I couldn’t contact my family,” he revealed. The most traumatic moment came when he witnessed his friend, Hemil Mangukiya from Gujarat, killed while digging a trench. “I put his dead body in the truck with my own hands,” he recalled, his emotions palpable.
After his friend’s death, Sufyan and other stranded Indians recorded a video pleading for help, which caught the attention of Indian politician Asaduddin Owaisi, who brought the issue to the foreign ministry.
“It is a miracle I got back home,” said Azad Yusuf Kumar from Indian-administered Kashmir, who was part of Sufyan’s group. He recalled the chaos of war, where one moment could mean life or death. In February, he accidentally shot his own foot during training, facing accusations from his commander that he did it to avoid combat. “I was lucky not to have gone into battle; four men from my camp died during that time,” he reflected.
While many feel relief at the recent discharges, those still in limbo in Russia are becoming increasingly desperate as delays in their release continue. Tamang, who enlisted in January, reported that 13 out of 15 non-Russian members of his unit have perished. He expressed his fears, explaining that even after signing his discharge papers in August, he was sent back to the front lines multiple times. As of September 15, he was en route to Moscow, remaining vigilant. “I am out, but I will keep sending you my location,” he stated. When he last communicated, he had left Ukraine, filled with hope for his journey back home.
