Wed Dec 17 18:51:14 UTC 2025: ## Bodies of Indian Nationals Killed in Ukraine War Arrive in Delhi

New Delhi – December 18, 2025 (IST): The remains of two Indian nationals, Ajay Godara (22) from Rajasthan and Rakesh Kumar (30) from Uttarakhand, who died in the Russia-Ukraine war zone, arrived at Delhi airport on Wednesday. Their deaths bring the total number of confirmed Indian casualties in the conflict to at least four since September, with 59 others still missing.

Both Godara and Kumar had traveled to Russia on student visas within the last year, but were allegedly misled by recruitment agents who promised them jobs as cleaners and helpers. According to reports, they were subsequently coerced into joining the Russian Army and deployed to the front lines.

“We were told on December 9 that Ajay has been killed in Russia,” said Prakash Godara, Ajay’s cousin. “He last spoke to his family on September 21, sending a video pleading for help, saying they were being forcibly sent to the war zone.”

The family of Ajay Godara, along with numerous others, had previously protested in Delhi, urging the government to intervene and secure the safe return of Indian nationals allegedly serving in the Russian Army. The matter had also been raised in Parliament by Lok Sabha member Hanuman Beniwal ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s State visit to India on December 3rd.

Pankaj Kumar, a friend of Rakesh Kumar, confirmed that his family was informed of his death five days prior, stating he died in the Donbas area.

This incident comes despite repeated assurances from Moscow that it had ceased enlisting Indian nationals into its army. The Hindu reported on September 10th, 2024, that Indians continued to be enlisted in the Russian Army despite an assurance by Moscow in 2024 that it no longer admits Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that it has repeatedly raised the issue with Russian authorities, urging them to end the practice and release Indian nationals.

The MEA has also issued multiple advisories warning Indian citizens against falling prey to deceptive job offers that lead to forced military service. As of November 8th, the MEA reported that 44 Indian nationals were currently serving in the Russian Army.

The situation continues to raise serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad and the effectiveness of existing safeguards against deceptive recruitment practices.

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