The Shocking Truth: Indian Workers Lured to Russia for Jobs, Then Forced into War and Disappeared

The Tragic Deception of Indian Nationals in Russia

In a disturbing trend, over 200 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian military since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, with dozens killed or missing, according to Indian officials. Many were lured by agents promising civilian jobs abroad, only to find themselves coerced into combat roles on the front lines.

A Family's Agony: The Case of Manoj Singh Shekhawat

Manoj Singh Shekhawat, 31, from Jaipur, left home on July 4 after an agent promised him work at a packaging company in Moscow. He travelled on a one-month e-visa, but when it expired, agents steered him toward the military, assuring him that enlisting would prevent arrest for overstaying. Instead of safe work, he was sent for combat training. "That's when he realized he had been trapped," said his cousin, Ajay Singh Rathore.

In his last voice note on Oct. 15, before deployment near Kupyansk, he said: "If I don't message within three days, then assume that I'm dead." There has been no official confirmation of his death, leaving his family in limbo. "As long as we don't see him, we cannot accept that he is gone," said his father, Vikram Singh Shekhawat.

Government Response and Statistics

On Dec. 18, India's Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that at least 202 Indians have been recruited, with 26 killed and seven missing. Concerted efforts by the government have resulted in the early discharge of 119 individuals, and efforts are ongoing for 50 more, according to junior foreign minister Kirti Vardhan Singh.

Another Victim: Sandeep's Story

Sandeep, 29, from Haryana, was promised a job as an army chef in Moscow but was pressed to fight within two weeks of arrival. He was paid an advance of US$11,000 and a monthly salary of US$2,800 under a one-year agreement. During training, his phone was confiscated, and he realized he was being prepared for combat. His last call home on Oct. 1 included a plea: "He told me he had been deceived" and asked his family to press the Indian government for rescue.

The Broader Impact and Challenges

The uncertainty extends to dozens of Indian families, with bodies of some victims, like Rakesh Maurya and Ajay Godara, returning home. Russian military social centres assist families but obtaining information remains difficult, even for Russian families. For those like Divya, Mr. Shekhawat's wife, hope persists: "I believe he is alive. Maybe he is a prisoner of war."

This situation highlights the risks of international job recruitment scams and the urgent need for vigilance among job seekers considering opportunities abroad, especially in conflict zones.