Indian Nationals Lured to Russia Share Stories of Being Forced into War Against Ukraine

At least 91 Indian nationals were lured into fighting for Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine, reported Ukrainian outlet Babel’ on September 24. These individuals had initially traveled to Russia to study or work, but instead found themselves forced into dangerous roles building fortifications for the Russian military in eastern Ukraine.

One of the victims, Urgen Tamang, expressed his desperation in a message to a BBC journalist: “I am in a panic. I don’t know how I will return home — safe or in a coffin. Please save me.” He had accepted what he believed was a job as a security guard, only to discover that it involved rear services for the Russian army, which quickly escalated to combat duties on the front lines. During his time in service, Tamang witnessed the deaths of dozens of foreign fighters serving in the Russian military and began recording videos calling for rescue.

Indian volunteers have reported facing extreme conditions while serving in Russian forces. Some claim they were tortured or starved by Russian commanders for disobedience, while others were sent to assault well-defended Ukrainian positions without adequate support. These accounts of mistreatment and danger eventually reached the media and the Indian government.

The plight of these Indian citizens became a major issue during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on July 8. Following the meeting, the Indian volunteers were returned home from Russian units. The so-called “mercenaries” never received the salaries they had been promised, but expressed relief at simply making it back alive.

Previously, Ukrainian intelligence had revealed similar schemes where Syrians were lured into serving as “cannon fodder” for the Russian army.