What began as overseas job offers and promises of a better future has now turned into one of the most disturbing recruitment controversies involving Indian citizens in recent years. The Union government informed the Supreme Court of India that 217 Indians joined Russian military forces during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. Out of them, 49 have died, six are officially missing in action and the status of 23 others remains unclear. According to the Centre, many Indians were allegedly lured with hefty signing bonuses, salaries worth lakhs per month, Russian citizenship offers, social security benefits and compensation packages for families in case of death. The government also told the court that 139 Indians have reportedly been released from military service, while embassy officials continue coordinating with Russian authorities for repatriation, compensation and identification of remains. The case has triggered wider concerns over unemployment, risky overseas recruitment networks and the growing vulnerability of financially struggling Indian youth seeking opportunities abroad.
