A new video has surfaced online showing seven Indian nationals who claim they were tricked and forced into fighting on the side of Russian forces in Ukraine.
The men allege they were misled by an unscrupulous travel agent and coerced into military service, adding to a growing number of similar reports from Indian citizens in the region.
In the video, which has garnered significant attention, the seven men appear in military fatigues inside a small, unkempt room. One man, acting as a spokesperson for the group, recounts their experience.
He states they traveled to Russia as tourists during the New Year holidays and were approached by an agent promising to take them sightseeing in Belarus.
However, upon arriving in Belarus without the required visas, the agent allegedly extorted them for money and then abandoned the group on a highway when they were unable to make further payments. The men's statement implies that they were then preyed upon and forced to join the Russian war effort.
The Indian government has acknowledged these disturbing allegations and is currently investigating the situation.
Indian nationals have been strongly urged to register with the Indian embassy when visiting any country bordering Ukraine and to remain extremely vigilant regarding all travel arrangements.
