Indian Man forced to Fight in Russia-Ukraine War Dies

Relatives of an Indian man, Ravi Moun, have said that he died in Russia after being forced to fight in the war against Ukraine.

According to his family, Moun, a 22-year-old from Haryana, travelled to Russia on January 13, 2024, for a transportation job that he had been promised by an agent.

His brother, Ajay Moun, claimed that Ravi was enlisted into the army upon his arrival.

He alleged he had seen pictures of his brother in a Russian Army uniform.

Ajay Moun added that the Russian Army gave his brother the ultimatum of fighting on the frontlines against Ukrainian forces or face 10 years in jail.

He says his brother was trained to dig trenches and then sent to the frontlines later.

Moun’s journey to Russia came at a heavy price. His family sold their land and spent almost £11,000 to send him to Russia.

The family last heard from Ravi Moun on March 12. He allegedly told his family that he had been on the battlefield since March 6.

Moun’s family contacted the Indian embassy in Moscow on July 21 to inquire about his whereabouts.

A few days later, the embassy informed them that Ravi Moun had died and asked the family to send a DNA test for identification of the body.

Ravi Moun’s death comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, where Russia promised an early release of all Indian citizens fighting in its army.

The family are now urging Mr Modi for help in bringing Ravi’s body back to India as they cannot afford it.

Moun’s case is not a unique one.

Many Indian families have appealed to the Indian government for help in returning their loved ones home.

Delhi has been seeking the release of Indians who say they were lured to Russia on the promise of non-combat jobs but were later forced into combat against Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the Indian foreign ministry urged “all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict”.

In March 2024, Indian authorities also busted a network of agents sending people to Russia under the guise of giving them jobs.

India’s foreign secretary stated that there were around 35-50 Indian nationals in the Russian forces, 10 of which already returned home.

India is now working with Russia to ensure the return of the remaining men.