Bodies of two Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war arrived at Delhi airport on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The deceased are Ajay Godara (22) from Rajasthan and Rakesh Kumar (30) from Uttarakhand. Both had gone to Russia on student visas and were misled into joining the Russian Army, promised jobs as cleaners and helpers. Since September, at least four Indians have died in the war zone and 59 are missing. Ajay Godara's cousin, Prakash Godara, told The Hindu they learned of Ajay's death on December 9 from the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Ajay last spoke to family on September 21, sending a video pleading for help, saying "they were being forcibly sent to the war zone." Ajay's body was taken to Bikaner, Rajasthan and cremated on Wednesday evening. The Russian death certificate states he died "during active military service." Ajay is survived by his parents and sister. The family protested twice at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, seeking government action. They also met Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and raised the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Rakesh Kumar’s family was informed of his death about five days ago. His friend Pankaj Kumar said he died in the Donbas area and last spoke on August 30. His body arrived in Delhi on December 17. Despite a 2024 assurance from Moscow that Indians would no longer be enrolled in the Russian Army, the recruitment continues. On September 10, The Hindu reported ongoing enlistment. The MEA confirmed it has asked Russian authorities to stop these practices and release Indian nationals. The Russian Embassy stated in August 2024 it no longer admits Indians to its army and works with Indian authorities to discharge them. The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since February 24, 2022. The MEA warned Indians multiple times about such dangers. On November 8, the MEA said 44 Indians were still serving in the Russian Army.