The Russia–Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, has taken a grim turn for several families in Punjab. Disturbing accounts have emerged of young men being trafficked to Russia under the guise of job opportunities and later forced into military service.
Gursevak Singh from Jalandhar, speaking via video call to India Today TV, revealed that he and 14 others were taken to Moscow on student or tourist visas and subsequently forced into the Russian army without training. “We are stuck here on visitor visas—we have been handed guns with no training. We don’t even have food to eat. Time is running out,” Singh said.
Tragically, five members of the group have already died, eight were sent to the frontline, and six more are reportedly awaiting deployment in the Selydove region of Donetsk, captured by Russia in November 2024. Families back home allege a lack of adequate response from the Indian Embassy despite repeated appeals, releasing videos urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that the issue has been raised with Russian authorities and has once again urged Indian citizens to avoid any offers to join the Russian army, citing extreme risk.
For affected families, the wait for answers is agonizing. Parminder Kaur, widow of Tejpal Singh, said her husband was recruited in January 2024 under false pretenses. “It was presented as a job, not army recruitment. For one and a half years I’ve been struggling for answers. Many youths are still stuck there,” she said.
Pargat Singh, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, has demanded stringent action against the agents involved and immediate evacuation of the stranded individuals. “Lip service won’t help. This is a matter of urgent national concern,” he said.
The case highlights a growing human trafficking crisis and raises serious questions about the exploitation of vulnerable Indian youth in conflict zones.
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