Delhi HC directs Centre to secure return of Indian student detained in Ukraine
Delhi High Court has ordered the Indian government to take urgent diplomatic action for the safe return of 22-year-old Indian student Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, detained by Ukrainian forces. His mother alleges he was coerced into joining Russian forces after a wrongful drug case in Russia. The court emphasized appointing a liaison for consular access and called for a status report in four weeks.
The Delhi High Court heard a petition filed by Hasinaben Samsudinbhai Majothi, mother of Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, a 22-year-old Indian student detained by Ukrainian forces amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Majothi was reportedly compelled to join the Russian army under duress after being falsely implicated in a drug-related case in Russia, where he had traveled on a study visa to pursue a Russian language course at ITMO University. After his arrest in April 2024, he was allegedly coerced into military service in exchange for freedom and monetary promises, which he claimed were never fulfilled. The student later surrendered to Ukrainian troops. The court directed the Indian government to urgently coordinate with Ukrainian authorities by appointing a liaison officer to obtain consular access and facilitate Majothi's return. The government is required to report the actions taken within four weeks, and the matter will be reviewed again on December 3. This case marks the first reported instance of an Indian national detained for suspected involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Majothi’s mother, a cancer patient from Gujarat, expressed fear that her son was forced to fight in the war before capture. Indian authorities had not secured his release despite multiple requests prior to the court’s intervention. The case highlights concerns over foreign nationals being coerced into military service amid the conflict.
