Indian student's plea: 'Trapped in false drug case, forced to fight in Ukraine war' - watch Sahil's video
Ahmedabad/New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : A video message from Sahil Mohammad Hussain, a student from Gujarat currently in custody of the Ukrainian army, has surfaced, urging Indian youth not to join the Russian army under any circumstances. The video, which became public on Monday, has sparked concern and debate across the country.
In the video, Sahil alleged that he was blackmailed into a false drug case in Russia and, under pressure, was forcibly recruited into the Russian army. Official information about his current location in Ukraine has not been released.
Accused of being recruited into the army in exchange for dropping the drug case, Sahil, wearing a dark green jacket, says in the video that he went to Russia for studies in the year 2024. During financial and visa related problems, he came in contact with some people who later turned out to be involved in the drug trade. Sahil claims that he did not commit any crime, but despite this, he was sent to jail on a false drug case. The jail administration allegedly told him that if he joined the Russian army, the case registered against him would be withdrawn. He said that after 15 days of training, he was sent directly to the war front, where he surrendered to the Ukrainian army as soon as he reached there. Currently, he is in the custody of Ukrainian security forces.
In a video message pleading for help from the Indian government, Sahil said, "I feel extremely helpless. I don't know what will happen next. But all Indian youth traveling to Russia should be careful. There are many people here who can trap you in a false drug case." He appealed to the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make efforts for his safe return home and to raise the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian security forces sent Sahil's video to his mother in Gujarat, urging her to raise awareness about Indians being trapped by the Russian military. The mother has filed
a petition in a Delhi court seeking her son's safe return. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February.
During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India (December 4–5, 2025), Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Indians serving in the Russian military with him and demanded the safe return of all Indian citizens. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, at least 44 Indian citizens are currently stranded with the Russian Armed Forces.
On December 5th, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the Indian government is continuously making efforts to secure the release of its citizens. He urged Indians in Russia to avoid any suspicious or illegal offers and to immediately contact the Indian Embassy in case of any problems. This case once again raises serious questions about the safety and security of Indian youth traveling abroad for study or work.