Trapped in Conflict: Indian Student Joins Russian Army Amid Legal Troubles

Wed Oct 22 2025 08:49:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Sahil Majothi, a 22-year-old Indian national, finds himself entangled in the war in Ukraine after being forced to join the Russian army to avoid imprisonment on drug charges. His mother recounts the harrowing journey from student to soldier.

Sahil Majothi, a 22-year-old from Gujarat, India, was captured by Ukraine while allegedly serving in the Russian military. His mother claims he was compelled to join the army to escape a wrongful drug charge that led to a severe prison sentence in Russia. Investigations by Indian authorities are underway as reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army surface.

Ukraine has captured an Indian national allegedly fighting for Russian forces, marking a significant incident as the first known Indian detained in the ongoing war.

Sahil Majothi, 22, hailing from Gujarat, India, had traveled to Russia to study computer engineering two years ago. His mother claims he was falsely implicated in a drug charge last April.

According to a video released by Ukraine's military, Majothi joined the Russian army to avoid imprisonment due to these drug charges.

The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently investigating the case but has yet to receive formal communication from Ukraine. Meanwhile, the BBC has reached out to the Russian government for a response.

In an interview with BBC Gujarati, Hasina Majothi, Sahil's mother, stated her son relocated to Russia in January 2024. After completing a three-month language course in St Petersburg, he continued his studies in Moscow while supporting himself through part-time work as a kitchenware courier.

Ms. Majothi alleges her son became entangled in a drug case when someone slipped drugs into a parcel he was delivering. The police apprehended him with the parcel, and thereafter, he was charged.

Subsequently, her son was detained for six months and sentenced to seven years in prison. Despite hiring a private lawyer, the family was left in the dark regarding how he was drafted into the military.

“I don’t know how he ended up in Ukraine. I only found out through the viral video,” said Ms. Majothi.

In the viral video from the Ukrainian army, Majothi noted that he was given the choice between joining the military for pay or going to jail. He mentioned that he underwent 15 days of training in September 2024 and was deployed to the battlefield the following year.

After a conflict with his commander on 1 October, Majothi sought assistance from Ukrainian soldiers.

This incident is part of growing concerns regarding the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army amidst the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that over 150 Indians, some on student or visitor visas, have enlisted, with at least 12 reported dead and 16 others missing.

Local community leaders in Gujarat have urged the Indian government to intervene and bring back young Indians, like Sahil, who went abroad looking for opportunities but found themselves embroiled in war.

The Indian government has consistently cautioned its citizens against participating in the war in Ukraine.

“We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to avoid any offers to serve in the Russian army, as they carry significant risks to life,” stated a spokesperson from India's foreign ministry.