Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a distressing account has surfaced from Punjab regarding the alleged deaths of 10 Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army. Jagdeep Kumar, whose brother Mandeep Kumar is among those feared missing, has put forth these claims. According to Jagdeep, his brother was recruited by a travel agent for employment in Russia but was allegedly compelled to join the military. The family last heard from Mandeep in March 2024. Jagdeep’s investigation, which involved two trips to Russia spanning over two months, suggests that three of the deceased were from Punjab, and seven from other Indian states like Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He has provided documents from the Russian Army, reportedly confirming these deaths, to MP Balbir Singh Seechewal. Furthermore, Jagdeep claims that four other Indian men remain unaccounted for in Russia. MP Seechewal has been actively assisting Jagdeep and other affected families, having facilitated his travel to Russia and subsequently highlighting the issue with India’s External Affairs Minister. The MP’s office has been a focal point for families seeking help for their relatives recruited under false pretenses. Jagdeep’s extensive stay in Russia enabled him to gather significant details about the situation of Indian youth enlisted in the Russian armed forces. Efforts are ongoing, with previous successful repatriations attributed to parliamentary intervention. MP Seechewal is advocating for the government to employ diplomatic means to halt all recruitment of Indian citizens into foreign militaries and to penalize fraudulent recruitment agencies. India had formally addressed Russia on this matter in September, requesting a cessation of recruitment and the release of Indian nationals already serving.
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