ThePrint ThePrintPod: 16 Indians still missing after joining Russian army, families to travel to Moscow for answers
Jun 10, 2025
Sixteen Indians are missing after being drafted into the Russian military amidst the Ukraine conflict. Families are left in emotional anguish, desperately seeking answers from authorities. Reports suggest at least 12 may have died on the frontlines, while 96 have returned home. The podcast delves into the heartbreaking stories of these families and the broader geopolitical implications of this crisis.
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Indians Missing After Joining Russian Army
- 16 Indians have been missing in Russia for over a year after being forced to join the Russian military. 96 have returned to India and 12 have died in Ukraine conflict frontlines.
Mandeep's False Promise and Conscription
- Mandeep Kumar was promised a visit to Italy but instead landed in Moscow and was signed up by the Russian army. He was trained as a sniper despite having a handicap that prevented running.
Last Contact with Missing Indians
- Tehbal Singh from Punjab was last contacted before being sent to the Ukrainian front in Zhaporizhia. Mandeep was sent to Donetsk, losing all contact with family thereafter.