Jagdeep Kumar, a resident of Punjab, has claimed that 10 Indian nationals who enlisted in the Russian military lost their lives. Jagdeep, who traveled abroad while searching for his brother, returned to India and shared these claims.

The hardships faced by Indians who became part of the Russian Army amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict have once again drawn attention. Jagdeep Kumar from Punjab went to Russia in an attempt to locate his younger brother, Mandeep Kumar, and later returned to India. Citing documents issued by the Russian Army, he stated that at least 10 Indians were killed during the war, while four others remain unaccounted for.

According to Jagdeep, three of those who died were from Punjab, while the remaining seven were from Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He further alleged that he was deceived by travel agents who promised overseas employment but instead sent him to Russia, where he was allegedly forced to join the army. Jagdeep said he has had no communication with his brother Mandeep since March 2024.

He brought the matter to the attention of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal. Following this, the MP met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and urged him to step in and address the issue.

The Indian government had already taken up the matter with Russian authorities in September, requesting a halt to the recruitment of Indian citizens and seeking the release of those already enlisted. This development has intensified calls for firm action against agents accused of misleading Indian youth. While some Indians have managed to return home safely, the families of others continue to live in fear and uncertainty.