Delhi High Court Urges Centre for Swift Action to Bring Back Indian Student Held in Ukraine
The Delhi High Court has directed the central government to take urgent diplomatic steps to secure the safe return of 22-year-old Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi from Gujarat, who was detained by Ukrainian forces. Majothi traveled to Russia for studies but was arrested on alleged false drug charges, coerced into joining the Russian Armed Forces, and later captured by Ukraine. The government must report progress within four weeks.
Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, a 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat, initially traveled to Russia's ITMO University in St. Petersburg in January 2024 on a study visa for a Russian-language course. He later moved to Moscow, worked part-time, but was arrested in April 2024 on drug charges his family claims were fabricated. Facing a possible seven-year sentence, he reportedly joined the Russian Armed Forces under duress. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he was captured by Ukrainian forces. His mother filed a petition leading the Delhi High Court to order the Indian government to take immediate, urgent diplomatic action for his safe repatriation. The Court directed appointing a liaison officer to coordinate with Ukrainian authorities and sought a status report within four weeks, scheduling the next hearing on December 3. Majothi pleaded in videos that he was forced into the conflict and desires to return home. This case has highlighted the vulnerabilities of Indian nationals caught in foreign conflict zones and has renewed calls for stronger consular support and evacuation mechanisms for such citizens.
