A video is being shared where indians citizens can be seen, stuck in the Russia-Ukraine War. Pakistan-based accounts have shared the video and claimed that the Indian government sold multiple Indian Sikhs to Russia, who are being forced to fight the Ukraine-Russia War.
Multiple accounts have shared a similar claim, which can be viewed here and here.
Fact Check
Upon investigation, we found the claim to be false. On March 8, 2024, Indian media reported that Indian citizens (including those from Punjab) were lured by agents with promises of non‐combat jobs in Russia and later found themselves in or near front-line military duties.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India busted a network trafficking people to Russia under the pretext of job offers; about 35 Indians were affected. However, there is no credible evidence that the Government of India has officially ‘sold’ Indian Sikhs (or Indians) to Russia. There’s no record of any agreement or policy by the Indian state to hand over citizens to be used in war in return for something.
On September 11, 2025, the Indian MEA also responded, stating, “We have also taken up the matter with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow, asking that this practice be ended and that our nationals be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens. We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian army, as this is a course fraught with danger.”
Conclusion
The claim that the Indian government ‘sold’ Sikhs (or Indians) to Russia to fight in the Ukraine war is false. Verified reports show that Indian citizens, including some from Punjab, were trafficked or misled by private agents with false job promises and then coerced into military roles in Russia. There is no evidence of any Indian government involvement or policy of “selling” citizens.
