Indians Killed in Russia-Ukraine War: Two Bodies Returned to Delhi as Families Seek Answers

Bodies of two Indians killed in the Russia‑Ukraine war reached Delhi on Wednesday. The victims were Ajay Godara, 22, from Rajasthan, and Rakesh Kumar, 30, from Uttarakhand. Both men had traveled to Russia on student visas last year.

Their families say they were misled by agents and forced into the Russian Army. According to The Hindu, the men had pleaded for help before losing contact.

India has recorded four Indian deaths in the war zone since September. The Ministry of External Affairs says 59 Indians remain missing.

Indians Killed in Russia-Ukraine War: Families Report Forced Enlistment

Families of the two deceased men say they were promised simple jobs such as cleaning or helping. Instead, they claim the men were pushed into active military duty. According to Reuters‑referenced reporting, similar cases have been raised in recent months.

Ajay Godara last spoke to his family on September 21. His cousin said he sent a video before that, asking for help and saying he was being forced toward the front. His death certificate from Russia says he died “during active military service.”

Rakesh Kumar last spoke to his family on August 30. His body was also flown to Delhi on Wednesday.

Both families say they had reached out to officials and asked for urgent intervention. They also joined protests in Delhi to demand safe return of other Indians stuck in the conflict.

Why More Indians Are Still Stuck in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

India has raised this issue with Russia several times. The MEA said on September 11 that it asked Moscow to stop this practice and release Indians from military duty. Russian authorities earlier said in 2024 that they no longer recruit Indians. But reports in The Hindu in September showed enlistments continued.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since February 24, 2022. The conflict has drawn foreign recruits from several countries. Many of them, including Indians, have said they were misled by job agents.

The MEA said in November that at least 44 Indians are still serving in the Russian Army. It has issued warnings asking citizens not to take such risky job offers.

Long-Term Impact on Families and Government Response

These deaths have increased pressure on Indian authorities. Families want stronger crackdowns on agents sending people to Russia under false promises. They also want faster action to bring back those who are still missing.

The MEA says it is working with Russia to stop recruitment of Indian nationals. But families say they want clearer timelines and official updates.

The return of these two bodies shows the growing danger for Indians caught in the Russia‑Ukraine war. The Indian government says it will keep engaging with Moscow, but families fear more losses if action is delayed. The deaths of these Indians killed in the Russia‑Ukraine war continue to raise urgent questions.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Why were these Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war?

Both men were allegedly forced into the Russian Army after being misled by agents. Their families say they were promised simple jobs but were sent to the war zone instead.

Q2: How many Indians are still stuck in Russia?

The MEA said in November that 44 Indians are serving in the Russian Army. It also confirmed that 59 others are missing.

Q3: When did the families last speak to the deceased?

Ajay Godara last spoke on September 21. Rakesh Kumar last spoke on August 30.

Q4: What has India told Russia about this issue?

India has asked Russia to stop recruiting Indians and release those already enlisted. The MEA says talks are ongoing.

Q5: Why are Indians still going to Russia?

Many are lured by agents offering jobs. The MEA has warned people to avoid such offers.