Families of three young men from western Uttar Pradesh have approached district administrations and the Ministry of External Affairs seeking urgent help after the youths went missing in Russia. Relatives allege that the men, who travelled on student visas, had their passports confiscated and were forcibly recruited into the Russian army.
The missing individuals are Himanshu Sharma (24) and Shakti Pundir (23) from Muzaffarnagar district, and Ashu Kumar (25) from neighbouring Shamli district. According to their families, the three were staying together in Moscow while pursuing studies, reportedly Russian language courses.
Contact with the families was last established in July 2026. During those final phone conversations, the youths reportedly informed their relatives that Russian authorities had seized their passports and taken them away for military service. Since then, there has been no communication.
Family members stated that the two Muzaffarnagar youths were due to return in August after their one-year visas expired. They claim a local agent based in Shamli arranged their travel and charged approximately ₹3.5 lakh from each person.
The families have submitted appeals to the district magistrates and written to the Ministry of External Affairs requesting diplomatic intervention to locate the young men and facilitate their safe return. Local officials have taken note of the complaints, with reports indicating administrative follow-up in the districts.
This case adds to a series of incidents in recent years in which Indian nationals travelling to Russia — often on student or work visas — have alleged being coerced into military service after arrival. The Indian government has previously secured the release of scores of such individuals and continues efforts to trace those still unaccounted for.
The families expressed deep anxiety and appealed for swift action from both Indian and Russian authorities to establish the whereabouts of Himanshu, Shakti, and Ashu and bring them home safely.
