Russia has recruited 202 Indian citizens for the war: dozens have died and gone missing.

According to ТСН: Two students from India, 22-year-old Ajay Godara and 30-year-old Rakesh Kumar Maurya, who came to Russia on student visas, have become victims of the war against Ukraine.

Situation on the Front

Godara stated in his video address that he was part of a group of four soldiers fighting in Selidovo, Donetsk region.

“We were attacked with rockets and drones. One of the recruits died before my eyes, two others fled, and I got lost. My team members have now found me. I do not know what will happen to me. I testified that I was forcibly recruited,” he said.

Family Reaction

Rakesh's family, who had been studying at Saint Petersburg University since August 8, 2025, refused to comment on the situation. His friend, Pankaj Kumar, reported that the family learned of his death five days ago.

General Information about Indians in Russia

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has recruited 202 Indian citizens for the war.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 119 citizens of the country have managed to return home after being released from the Russian army. Another 26 Indians have died, and seven are considered missing.

The Indian government is working to return another 50 of its citizens.

Additionally, the remains of 10 Indian citizens who died in Ukraine have been returned. The Indian authorities provided Russia with DNA samples from the families of 18 Indians believed to be dead or missing for identification purposes.

In October, Ukrainian forces captured a 22-year-old Indian when he was first sent on an assault. He did not want to sit in prison, so he signed a contract with the Russian army.

This tragedy underscores the complex situation of Indian citizens who find themselves at the epicenter of the war in Ukraine. Many have been subjected to forced recruitment and have faced serious risks while caught up in the conflict. The Indian government is showing readiness to assist its citizens, but the situation remains tense, and the number of dead and missing causes serious concern among families and society as a whole.