Delhi protest as families say Indians coerced into fighting on Russian side in Ukraine
Prisoners of war (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Families of Indians who were deceitfully recruited and sent to fight for Russia on the frontlines against Ukraine have gathered in Delhi. They are demanding the return of their relatives and punishment for the recruiters, according to Firstpost.
Dozens of families from various Indian states, including Haryana, Telangana, and others, assembled at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. They are pleading with the government to bring back their sons, brothers, and husbands, who were tricked into fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
According to relatives, the young men were recruited through agents who promised legal jobs as security guards or warehouse workers with high salaries and accommodation. Instead, under pressure, they were made to sign contracts in Russian and sent to the frontlines with minimal training.
Story of Sonu Kumar
Sonu Kumar from Hisar, Haryana, arrived in Russia on a student visa. Agents promised him a safe job, so he stayed.
The last message his family received from him was on September 3: “He said he was being sent to the front line and that his phone would soon be confiscated.”
Two weeks later, the family received a telegram from Russian authorities - Sonu had died. His body was returned home in a burned state. Along with the remains, they sent a Russian military uniform and a flag.
His relatives ask: “He was not a soldier. Why was he sent to die?”
Fate of Aman Punia
Another resident of Hisar, 23-year-old Aman Punia, was also recruited.
The last time he contacted his family was on October 15: “They are sending me to the front. I am in serious danger.”
After only 15 days of minimal training, he was sent to the combat zone. The family received a photo showing Aman injured. He is now considered missing in action.
His brother said: “We just want justice. Our brothers went there for jobs, not to fight someone else’s war.”
Story of Mohammed Ahmed
37-year-old Mohammed Ahmed from Hyderabad went to Russia after being promised construction work. Instead, he was taken to a remote training camp and given weapons.
He tried to escape by jumping from a military vehicle, breaking his leg. Yet even after this, he was forced to fight.
His niece cries, “He is the only breadwinner for our family. His wife has been hospitalised multiple times since he left. His only mistake was to dream of a better life for us.”
India appeals to Russia
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that it is demanding that Moscow stop recruiting Indians into the Russian army.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the issue personally in talks with Vladimir Putin.
However, there are still no concrete guarantees regarding the return of these men.
Hundreds of families in India remain in uncertainty — their relatives have either:
- died,
- gone missing,
- or are on the frontlines under duress.
They are urging the government and international organizations to bring their children home.
Russia can continue fighting only thanks to support from allied dictatorial regimes. For example, North Korea has supplied Russia with over 12 million artillery shells. It also provides artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and other military equipment.
Additionally, Ukrainian intelligence has released new evidence of war crimes committed by international mercenaries serving in the Russian army. In an intercepted conversation, the commander of Colombian mercenaries fighting for Russia gives orders to shoot Ukrainian civilians - including women and children.
