Jagdeep Singh searching for his missing brother, presents documents alleging deaths of recruits duped by agents; MP urges crackdown amid ongoing diplomatic effort
CHANDIGARH: A Punjab resident who travelled to Russia twice in search of his missing brother has claimed that at least 10 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army have been killed in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Jagdeep Singh from Goraya town in Jalandhar district, returned recently from his second trip to Moscow and submitted what he described as official Russian Army documents confirming the deaths to the office of Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal (AAP).
According to Jagdeep three of the deceased hailed from Punjab, while seven were from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He further alleged that four other Indians remain missing.
Kumar’s brother, Mandeep Kumar, was lured to Russia by a travel agent with promises of employment but was allegedly forced to join the military. The family last heard from Mandeep in March 2024.
“I gathered this information during my two stays in Russia first for 21 days, then for two months,” he told media persons.
He credited MP Seechewal for facilitating his travel documents and tickets, adding that several other Indian youths have safely returned home due to similar interventions.
Seechewal, who has been advocating for affected families since mid-2024, appealed to the central government to intensify diplomatic pressure on Russia to halt recruitment of Indians and ensure the repatriation of those still serving.
He also called for stringent action against dubious travel agents misleading vulnerable job-seekers with false overseas opportunities.
The claims come against the backdrop of a broader issue: Indian nationals being trafficked to Russia under the guise of civilian jobs or studies, only to be coerced into frontline combat roles amid Moscow’s manpower shortages in the protracted conflict.
However, there was no official confirmation about his claims but a recent government disclosures paint a gloomy picture as earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs informed Parliament that of over 200 Indians believed to have been recruited into the Russian forces since 2022, 26 have been reported killed, seven missing, 119 discharged and repatriated with around 50 still in service.
India has repeatedly raised the matter with Russian authorities, securing assurances against further recruitment following high-level engagements including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 visit to Moscow.
Families of victims continue to demand swift repatriation of remains and accountability, as the human cost of the distant conflict hits closer home for dozens of Indian households.
