Ukraine has apprehended an Indian national suspected of fighting for Russian forces, marking the first documented case of an Indian citizen captured in the ongoing conflict. The individual, identified as Sahil Majothi, 22, from Gujarat, India, had reportedly gone to Russia to pursue computer engineering studies two years ago. His mother alleges he was falsely implicated in a drug case last April.
According to a video released by the Ukrainian army, Mr. Majothi stated he was presented with a choice: join the Russian military for pay or face imprisonment. He claims he was informed his military service would last one year, after which he would be released. He also mentioned promises of varying financial compensation, none of which he reportedly received.
Mr. Majothi’s mother, Hasina Majothi, revealed that her son went to Russia in January 2024 and completed a language course before enrolling in college. She recounted an incident in April 2024 where she believes drugs were planted in a parcel given to her son, leading to his arrest and subsequent six-month detention, followed by a seven-year prison sentence. The family, unaware of how he was drafted, only learned of his capture through a viral video.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is currently investigating the matter and has not yet received official confirmation from Ukraine. The BBC has reached out to the Russian government for comment.
Authorities in Gujarat have questioned Mr. Majothi’s family, confirming his arrest and detention in Russia. His former teachers described him as an average student, motivated to achieve his mother’s aspirations through education. Community leaders have appealed to the Indian government for his safe return, highlighting concerns about other Indians allegedly recruited into the Russian military.
Related Stories
- Melania Trump says she has ‘open communication channel’ with Putin about Ukrainian children
- Icebreakers and golf spark Trump and Finnish leader’s unlikely friendship
- UK ready to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine war effort
More from the BBC
- Anger after female journalists excluded from Afghan embassy event in India
- How record auctions are fuelling India’s art boom
- Major Russian strikes cut power in Kyiv and across Ukraine
- Why Taliban minister’s visit to India is so groundbreaking
- WHO flags regulation gaps after India child deaths from cough syrups