An Indian tourist travelling to Russia has alleged “inhumane” treatment at the hands of Russian immigration authorities after he and eight other Indian nationals were detained for several hours at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. Amit Tanwar, who was travelling with a group of 13 Indian tourists, shared the ordeal in a detailed Instagram post, appealing to the Indian Embassy in Moscow and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate intervention.
According to Tanwar, the group landed in Moscow on July 8 with all valid documents. However, only three members were cleared by immigration, while the rest were taken aside without explanation. Their passports were confiscated, and they were asked to sit in a corner where other Indian travellers were also reportedly being held.
Soon after, the group was escorted to a separate room where officers allegedly went through their mobile phones, checking photo galleries, browsing history, and even YouTube activity. “The officers only spoke in Russian among themselves and later informed us that we were being deported,” Tanwar wrote.
He claimed they were confined in a cramped, locked room with no access to basic facilities. Some detainees in the room claimed they had been there for 2-3 days. “We are being treated like criminals. There is no communication or clarity on why we are being deported,” he said, adding that the deportation was being carried out slowly—one or two people at a time.
Tanwar also alleged that they were not allowed to book return tickets voluntarily and were instead routed through Baku, Azerbaijan. “We are so scared of the authorities here that we are even hesitant to raise a complaint or speak publicly,” he said.
The incident comes at a time when India-Russia relations are under renewed focus, especially following reports of Indian nationals being lured into joining the Russian military. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during his Moscow visit, after which Russia agreed to discharge all Indian nationals recruited into its army.
There has been no official response from Russian immigration yet. The Indian Embassy is yet to issue a statement.
