The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has once again drawn India into its human and diplomatic complexities after a 23-year-old man from Gujarat, allegedly captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia, released an emotional SOS video appealing for help from the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The case of Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi has sparked concern across India, raising serious questions about the safety of Indian nationals abroad, forced recruitment during wartime, and the rights of prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions.

The incident underlines how global conflicts can unexpectedly entangle civilians and foreign nationals, especially those pursuing education or employment overseas. It also highlights the growing need for awareness among Indians travelling abroad amid geopolitical instability.

Who is Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi?

According to media reports, Sahil Mohamed Hussein Majothi, a resident of Morbi’s Kalika Plot area in Gujarat, travelled to Russia on 10 January 2024 to pursue higher studies. Like many young Indians, Sahil reportedly went overseas with aspirations of education and better opportunities. However, his journey took a drastic and tragic turn.

Sahil claims that during his stay in Russia, he became embroiled in a criminal case related to narcotics, following which he was sentenced to seven years in prison. While details of the case remain unclear, Sahil alleges that while incarcerated, he was misled and coerced by Russian police into signing a war contract.

In his own words, signing the contract was “the biggest mistake of my life”, a decision he says he made only to escape harsh prison conditions. This claim echoes reports from international human rights groups suggesting that vulnerable prisoners have, at times, been pressured into military service during wartime.

How Sahil ended up fighting for Russia

In a video message reported by the Indian Express, Sahil explained that he signed the contract while in a Russian jail. According to him, the promise of release or better treatment was used as leverage to push him into joining the conflict.

“Now I am in a Ukrainian military jail because I signed the war contract when I was stuck in a Russian jail,” Sahil said in the video. “I signed the contract only to escape from the Russian jail.”

This revelation sheds light on the darker realities of war mobilisation, where individuals with little choice may find themselves pushed into combat roles in a foreign land, often without proper training, understanding, or consent.

Captured in Ukraine and viral video

Sahil first came into public attention in October 2025, when Ukrainian authorities released a video showing him surrendering. The footage was reportedly shared as part of Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” initiative, a governmental programme encouraging Russian soldiers to voluntarily surrender and guaranteeing humane treatment under international law.

The logo of this initiative was visible in Sahil’s video, indicating that he is being held under Ukraine’s Prisoners of War (POW) framework. While Ukrainian authorities have not officially detailed his legal status, the video suggests he is in Ukrainian military custody.

SOS message to India and Prime Minister Modi

According to Sahil’s family, they received two video messages, one in English and one in Hindi, allegedly sent by Ukrainian authorities. In the videos, Sahil appears distressed, uncertain about his future, and desperate for help.

“I am hopeless. I don’t know what will happen in future,” he said, adding that he feared being treated as a war criminal.

Directly appealing to Indian leadership, Sahil said, “I appeal to the Indian government, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and S Jaishankar, if possible, please help.”

His plea has resonated deeply in India, where families of citizens stranded or trapped in conflict zones closely follow such developments.

Warning to other Indians

In a sobering message, Sahil also warned other Indian citizens planning to travel to Russia for studies or work.

“Be careful because there are so many scammers here. You may be trapped in criminal cases, narcotics cases, illegal cases, so take care of yourself,” he said, urging Indians to stay away from risky situations.

This warning underscores the vulnerabilities faced by foreign nationals unfamiliar with local laws, especially during times of war when legal safeguards may weaken.

Link to Putin’s India visit

The date of the video messages has not been officially confirmed. However, one video appears to be recent, as Sahil mentions Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4 and 5.

“Now I know about Putin coming to India to meet my government,” Sahil said, expressing hope that Indian leaders could raise his case directly with the Russian leadership.

This mention has intensified public interest, as diplomatic channels between India and both Russia and Ukraine remain open despite the ongoing conflict.

Understanding the Geneva Conventions

Sahil’s case has brought renewed attention to the Geneva Conventions, a set of international treaties that establish standards of humanitarian treatment during war. These conventions form the backbone of international humanitarian law, especially concerning the treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs).

The Third Geneva Convention, adopted in 1949, specifically deals with the treatment of POWs and is binding on most countries, including both Russia and Ukraine.

Humane treatment of prisoners of war

Under the Geneva Conventions, POWs must be treated humanely at all times. This means they must be protected from violence, intimidation, insults, and public curiosity.

Importantly, torture, physical abuse, and cruel or degrading treatment are strictly prohibited. Prisoners must be treated with dignity, regardless of the side they fought for or the circumstances of their capture.

If Sahil is officially classified as a POW, Ukraine is legally obligated to ensure his safety and humane treatment.

Protection from hostilities

One of the core principles of the Geneva Conventions is that POWs must be removed from active combat zones as soon as possible. They cannot be used as human shields, forced to fight, or exposed to military operations.

This provision aims to ensure that captured individuals are no longer part of the conflict and are safeguarded from further harm.

Medical care and well-being

The conventions mandate that POWs receive adequate medical care, including treatment for injuries, illnesses, and psychological trauma. Access to doctors, medicines, and proper healthcare facilities is considered a fundamental right.

Given the intense physical and mental toll of the Russia-Ukraine war, medical care remains a crucial concern for all detainees.

Conditions of confinement

The Geneva Conventions also lay down rules for living conditions in POW camps. Prisoners must be housed in hygienic environments, provided with sufficient food and clean water, and allowed to maintain basic personal hygiene.

They must also be allowed to communicate with their families through letters and, where possible, monitored calls or messages, offering some reassurance to loved ones back home.

Evacuation from combat zones

POWs must be evacuated promptly to camps located far from active fighting. This is to reduce the risk of accidental injury or death during military operations.

In Sahil’s case, the presence of official Ukrainian custody and the “I Want to Live” programme suggests that Ukraine is positioning itself as adhering to these international norms.

India’s diplomatic challenge

Sahil’s situation places India in a delicate diplomatic position. While India maintains strategic ties with Russia and has also engaged constructively with Ukraine, cases involving Indian nationals fighting for a foreign military present complex legal and ethical challenges.

The Indian government has, in the past, successfully evacuated citizens from conflict zones and negotiated releases. However, cases involving alleged combat roles complicate diplomatic interventions.

Risks faced by Indians abroad

This case highlights broader risks faced by Indians studying or working overseas, particularly in regions affected by conflict or political instability. Lack of awareness, legal vulnerabilities, and dependence on local authorities can place individuals in precarious situations.

Experts often advise Indians abroad to register with Indian embassies, avoid unofficial agents, and remain cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

A human story amid global conflict

Beyond legal definitions and diplomatic discussions, Sahil Majothi’s story is a human tragedy unfolding amid one of the world’s most devastating conflicts. His repeated plea — “I want to come back home” — reflects the desperation of a young man caught between powerful nations and brutal realities.

For Indian audiences, the case serves as a stark reminder that global wars are not distant events. They can reach into homes and families thousands of kilometres away.

Conclusion

The case of the Gujarat man captured in Ukraine after fighting for Russia raises urgent questions about forced recruitment, protection of foreign nationals, and adherence to international humanitarian law. As Sahil Majothi waits in Ukrainian custody, his fate will depend on diplomatic engagement, legal interpretation, and the strict application of the Geneva Conventions on POW treatment.

For now, his SOS video stands as both a plea for help and a cautionary tale — one that underscores the high human cost of war and the importance of protecting civilians and vulnerable individuals caught in its crossfire.

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