Cancer-Stricken Mother Fights to Bring Home Indian Student Captured in Ukraine After Joining Russian Army
Cancer stricken mother fighting to bring – Delhi’s judiciary has mandated immediate measures to expedite the return of an Indian student detained by Ukrainian forces after enlisting in the Russian military. The case highlights growing concerns about the recruitment of Indian nationals into Russia’s war effort against Ukraine, with the student’s plight drawing attention to the complexities of cross-border conscription.
A Family’s Urgent Appeal
The student, Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, is the son of Hasinaben Samsudinbhai Majothi, a woman battling cancer and cardiac complications. Her legal team has been pressing the Indian government to secure Sahil’s release, emphasizing the emotional and logistical strain of his prolonged captivity. The mother’s advocacy has been central to the legal proceedings, as she seeks to reunite with her son in a country that now feels both physically and emotionally distant.
Sahil, 22, from the western state of Gujarat, was reportedly captured in Ukraine while serving in the Russian army. His recruitment, allegedly forced under pressure, has left his family in a state of distress. According to his advocates, Robin Raju and Deepa Joseph, Sahil had initially traveled to St Petersburg on a student visa in January 2024 to study Russian Language and Culture at ITMO University. His journey to Russia was meant to be an academic endeavor, but it soon became entangled in the conflict.
The student’s story gained public traction after Ukrainian authorities released a video in which he identified himself as an Indian national from Gujarat and pleaded with the Indian government to secure his repatriation. In another message, recorded in December 2025, he directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning fellow Indians considering travel to Russia for work or study to “be careful against scammers.” These videos have served as poignant reminders of the human cost of the war, amplifying the emotional appeal for his release.
“Please take all steps to bring him back,” the judge instructed the government counsel in November 2025, directing the federal government to appoint a liaison officer to coordinate with Ukrainian authorities. The directive underscores the urgency with which the court views Sahil’s case, as his detention has become a symbol of the broader issue of Indian citizens being drawn into Russia’s military campaign.
The case has sparked a wider debate about the recruitment of Indians into the Russian armed forces. The Indian government has acknowledged that 217 nationals have joined the Russian military during the war. Of these, 49 have been killed, six remain missing, and the whereabouts of another 23 are still unknown, according to reports from the Times of India. This figure has raised questions about the motivations behind such enlistments, with some alleging that foreign recruits were enticed by promises of lucrative salaries, signing bonuses, Russian citizenship, and family compensation packages in the event of death.
Sahil’s situation is particularly unique, as he and another Indian student reportedly signed military contracts while serving prison sentences in Russia. The other student was later released and eventually granted Russian citizenship, but Sahil’s path diverged when he surrendered to Ukrainian forces. His decision to defect, which he claims was made voluntarily, has left his family without his support, intensifying their struggle to navigate the legal and diplomatic channels for his return.
Behind the Captivity
According to Sahil’s advocates, his recruitment began after he was falsely implicated in a narcotics case in April 2024. Initially working part-time with a courier company, he was arrested and allegedly pressured into joining the Russian military. His mother recounted the ordeal, stating that she had been left without the support of her only son while facing the challenges of her medical treatments. This personal toll has driven her to seek legal intervention, leading to her recent petition to the High Court.
The Indian government has been urged to act swiftly, with the Supreme Court being informed of the situation. A legal representative, Deepa Joseph, has also written to Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, requesting Sahil’s repatriation on humanitarian grounds. The letter argues that Sahil was deployed to the battlefield without his informed or voluntary consent and that his surrender was a result of his insistence on not wanting to fight. This has prompted calls for Ukrainian authorities to facilitate his early return to reunite with his ailing mother.
Sahil’s case is not isolated. As the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies, more Indians are reportedly being recruited into the Russian military, often under conditions of coercion or financial incentive. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the Indian embassy continues to engage with Russian authorities to verify deaths, trace missing citizens, and monitor the status of those still held in captivity. This ongoing diplomatic effort reflects the government’s recognition of the issue’s gravity and its commitment to resolving it.
A Broader Crisis
The recruitment of Indian nationals into Russia’s military has become a focal point in discussions about international involvement in the conflict. While some have joined voluntarily, others have been forced into service, raising ethical concerns about the use of conscription as a tool for recruitment. Sahil’s experience, marked by both coercion and the hope of returning home, illustrates the dual nature of this phenomenon.
His case has also brought to light the challenges faced by families of detained individuals. With Sahil’s mother undergoing cancer treatment, the emotional and financial burden of his detention has grown. The legal battle to secure his release has become not just a matter of national interest but a personal crusade to save a loved one from the perils of war.
As the case progresses, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for further scrutiny of how Indian citizens are being integrated into Russia’s military operations. The government’s role in ensuring the rights of these recruits, alongside the efforts of the Indian diaspora and international organizations, will be critical in addressing the issue. For now, Sahil’s story remains a poignant reminder of the human impact of geopolitical conflicts on individual lives.
