Two individuals from India, arriving in Russia with student permits, tragically passed away after alleged forceful enlistment by Russian forces to partake in hostilities against Ukraine.
Indian soldiers / © Associated Press
Two Indian scholars, namely Ajay Godara, aged 22, and Rakesh Kumar Maurya, aged 30, traveled to Russia under student visas, only to become enmeshed in the conflict against Ukraine and subsequently lose their lives.
The Independent disseminates this information.
In one of his video recordings, Godara asserted his involvement within a quartet of combatants stationed in Selidove, Donetsk region.
“We endured attacks from both missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. One of the new recruits perished right before me, two others managed to flee, and I became disoriented. My fellow squad members have since located me. I remain uncertain of my fate. I’ve declared that my conscription was not voluntary,” he expressed.
The kin of Maurya, who matriculated into St. Petersburg University on August 8, 2025, opted not to engage with the press. His acquaintance, Pankaj Kumar, revealed that the family received notification of his demise five days prior.
Since initiating its comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, Russia has enroled 202 Indian nationals into military service.
This information originates from an announcement by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They indicate that 119 citizens were successfully repatriated – having gained early release from the Russian military. An additional 26 Indian persons have died, while seven remain unaccounted for.
Currently, the Indian government is striving to repatriate an additional group of 50 citizens.
The mortal remains of 10 Indian nationals, who perished in Russia’s war against Ukraine, were also returned. The nation’s leadership has submitted DNA samples from the relatives of 18 Indian individuals, classified as deceased or missing, to Russia to ascertain their identities.
In October, Ukrainian armed forces captured a 22-year-old Indian national during their initial incursion. Eager to avoid incarceration, the individual enlisted into the Russian military.