Indian students fighting for Russian army surrenders to Ukraine forces

An Indian student who had reportedly joined the Russian army has surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to media reports on Tuesday. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv confirmed that the student, identified as Sahil Mohammad Hussain, originally from Gujarat’s Majothi, has been captured by Ukrainian troops.

The 22-year-old had spent only three days on the frontlines before surrendering. Hussain claimed he had gone to Russia for studies but was later arrested on drug possession charges and sentenced to seven years in prison. Subsequently, he was offered a deal to join the Russian armed forces.

“I came to Russia to study, but I was jailed for a drug-related case. Later, I was given an option to join the army to fight against Ukraine,” Hussain reportedly said. “I didn’t want to stay in jail, so I signed a contract for special military operations. After 16 days of training, I was deployed on October 1,” he added.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had earlier confirmed that it has urged Russia to release and repatriate 27 Indian nationals serving in the Russian army. Reports indicate that several Indian citizens, who went to Russia on student and business visas, are being coerced or lured into joining the war effort.

It is estimated that over 150 Indians have been recruited into the Russian army, while at least 12 have died in the ongoing war against Ukraine. Russian authorities have so far released 96 Indians, but 16 remain missing, officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reportedly raised this issue directly with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia last year, emphasizing India’s concern over its citizens’ involvement in the conflict.

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