'Felt Helpless And Humiliated': Indian Tourist Alleges ‘Inhumane’ Treatment In Russia

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 19:35 IST

Amit Tanwar claimed "inhumane" treatment by Russian immigration officials after he and eight others were detained in Moscow despite valid documents.

Amit Tanwar, who travelled to Russia on July 8 with 12 other Indian tourists, said the nightmare began as soon as they landed.

An Indian tourist alleged “inhumane" treatment at the hands of Russian immigration officials after he and eight others from his group were detained for hours upon arrival in Moscow, despite carrying valid travel documents. The claims were made by Amit Tanwar, who shared a detailed account of the ordeal on Instagram and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Embassy in Moscow to intervene.

Amit Tanwar, who travelled to Russia on July 8 with 12 other Indian tourists, said the nightmare began as soon as they landed. While three members of the group were cleared by immigration, the remaining nine were allegedly pulled aside without explanation. Their passports were confiscated and they were asked to sit in a corner already crowded with other Indian travellers, Amit Tanwar alleged.

“Whoever thinks India is a superpower or believes that India-Russia ties are strong- it’s a myth," Amit Tanwar wrote in his post. He described how the group was later taken to a separate room, where immigration officers allegedly inspected their mobile phones, photo galleries, search histories and YouTube activity for 10–15 minutes.

“The officers spoke only in Russian among themselves. Eventually, we were told we would be deported," he claimed.

Amit Tanwar said the group was then moved to a locked, cramped room filled with other detainees- some of whom claimed to have been held for up to three days. He alleged they were denied basic facilities and received no explanation about the deportation process, which was reportedly being carried out slowly, with one or two people processed at a time.

“We are being treated like criminals… The treatment we are receiving is inhumane. We feel helpless and humiliated," he wrote.

According to Amit Tanwar, they were deported via Baku, Azerbaijan and were worried about facing similar treatment if they returned to Moscow. He further alleged that Russian authorities were not allowing them to book return flights to India voluntarily.

“We’re so scared of the authorities here that we’re even hesitant to complain or speak publicly. We don’t know when we’ll be released- it could take 2-3 days or even 4-5," he said.

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