A grave concern has been raised by a Punjab-based man who claims that 10 Indian nationals, recruited into the Russian Army for service in the Ukraine war, have tragically lost their lives. Jagdeep Kumar is actively searching for his brother, Mandeep Kumar, who he alleges was sent to Russia by a travel agent on false pretenses of a job, only to be forced into the army. The family’s last contact with Mandeep was in March 2024. Jagdeep’s painstaking efforts, including two visits to Russia, have led him to believe that three of the reported deceased were from Punjab, while seven others were from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He has submitted documents reportedly issued by the Russian Army, indicating these fatalities, to MP Balbir Singh Seechewal. Jagdeep also stated that four other Indian individuals are currently missing in Russia. MP Seechewal has been a key advocate, assisting Jagdeep and other families in their distress. He has met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to urge governmental action and has supported families by arranging essential travel documents and tickets for investigations. Jagdeep’s two trips to Russia, one lasting 21 days and the second for two months, were crucial in gathering evidence and details about the plight of Indians in the Russian military. The MP’s office has been a conduit for these appeals, and past interventions have successfully facilitated the return of several Indian youths. MP Seechewal is now calling for robust diplomatic efforts to prevent any further recruitment of Indian citizens into foreign armed forces and for strict penalties against agents who exploit vulnerable youth with fake job offers. India had previously communicated its concerns to Russia in September, seeking an end to the recruitment and release of its citizens.
