Ukraine has captured an Indian national allegedly fighting for Russian forces, marking the first known Indian detained in the ongoing war.
Sahil Majothi, 22, from Gujarat, India, went to Russia to study computer engineering two years ago. His mother alleges he was falsely accused in a drug case last April.
According to a video released by the Ukrainian army, Mr. Majothi joined the Russian army to avoid imprisonment stemming from drug charges. His mother, Hasina Majothi, claimed in an interview that her son moved to Russia in January 2024 and completed a language course in St Petersburg before attending college in Moscow.
Ms. Majothi criticized the authorities, stating that drugs were slipped into a package given to her son during his delivery job. After being arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison, he was allegedly given a choice either to join the military or serve time.
The Indian government is reportedly investigating the matter and has noted no formal communication from Ukraine regarding Mr. Majothi's status. Local officials in Gujarat are urging intervention to secure his return, highlighting the rising concern over Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian military amidst the ongoing war. The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly advised Indian citizens to avoid joining foreign militaries due to the associated risks.
