Amid strengthening India–Russia ties, a shocking case has emerged that has not only alarmed diplomatic circles but also torn apart rural families. Young men were taken to Russia under the pretext of education or employment, only to be coerced into military service and sent to the Ukraine border.
From Studies to the Battlefield: Ajay Godara’s Story
On November 28, 2024, Ajay Kumar Godara left for Russia on a student visa. Soon after arriving, he met a woman who promised him a job. She made Ajay and other Indian youths sign documents in Russian—a language they couldn’t read. Days later, they were handed army uniforms, armed, and sent to the front lines.
According to Ajay’s family, the youths were threatened, beaten, and stripped of their personal IDs to prevent escape or resistance.
Over Three Dozen Indians Trapped
Ajay is one of nearly 40 youths from Rajasthan and Haryana reportedly forced into the Russian army. Victims come from districts like Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Rohtak. All have been deployed near the Ukraine border with no way home.
Ajay’s father, Mahavir Prasad, said, “Our children went to study, but now they’ve been forced to carry guns and sent into war. This violates basic human rights. We fear for their lives.”
Pleas to the Centre
Rajasthan’s Food Minister Sumit Godara contacted Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who in turn alerted the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The embassy has promised action, but families remain dissatisfied and desperate for faster, firmer steps.
Families Pleading in Delhi
Ajay’s brother, Prakash Godara, has spent days in Delhi meeting top ministers including Rajnath Singh and Arjun Ram Meghwal, urging the government to intervene.
“This isn’t just about Ajay, dozens of Indian youths are stuck. We want the Indian government to talk to Russia and bring our children home,” he said.
A Village in Grief
In Arjansar and nearby villages, anxiety runs deep. Mothers pray. Fathers make daily trips to government offices. Community members demand swift and strong action, calling this a humanitarian crisis, not just a diplomatic issue.
A Test for India-Russia Relations
This incident challenges the trust in India-Russia ties. Forcibly recruiting Indian citizens into the Russian army violates international norms. Diplomats say this case could soon echo on global platforms.
A Call for Direct Intervention
Ajay’s family has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to personally intervene and secure the safe return of the trapped youths. Village elders have warned of growing networks that lure Indian youth abroad under false pretenses.
This is not just one family’s nightmare. It is a national issue that tests how far the Indian government will go to protect its citizens abroad.
