After Jalandhar man’s remains reach kin, families of other missing Indian recruits in Russian army seek clarity, closure

Mandeep, who had a congenital defect in his left leg, is believed to have died in March 2024, around the time he stopped contacting his family. They came to know about his death over two months ago after DNA samples they had provided matched with unidentified remains that had been lying unclaimed in a Russian hospital.

The delay in receiving official communication has deepened anxiety among other families who have had no communication with their loved ones for over a year, and remain uncertain about their status. Although records with Russian authorities reportedly indicate that many of them have died, families say they have received no formal intimation. In several cases, information has reached only siblings through informal contacts in Russia, while parents, spouses, and children continue to wait for an update.

During a meeting with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, some of the families appealed to the Centre to end the uncertainty by clearly confirming the death or missing status of their relatives, expediting the repatriation of mortal remains, helping recover the money taken by agents who allegedly forced or misled young men into recruitment, and providing economic support to those affected.

The relatives of some of the missing men, who were in Jalandhar to meet Mandeep’s family, told The Indian Express on Wednesday that they are waiting for official communication from the government.

A native of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh said his elder brother had died while serving in the Russian army. “I received his death certificate through some contacts in Russia, but I have not yet told my parents or my brother’s wife and children,” he said. “They are still waiting for his return. I am waiting for confirmation from the Indian government and for his body before I can tell them the truth,” he said.

His brother’s death was officially recorded in June 2024, but he came to know about it only on November 11, 2025—nearly one year and five months later—when Mandeep Kumar’s brother Jagdeep sent him the death certificate. The family had lost contact with the youth in May 2024.

Another resident of Azamgarh shared a similar account, saying that he too is aware of his unmarried brother’s death but is yet to inform their parents. “I have been pleading with the MEA to bring the body back. Only then can I tell my parents,” he said.

There are more such families in Azamgarh. Ram Kumar said his brother had gone to Russia in early 2024 along with four others from the district, and all were forced to join the army. “We lost contact with him over one and a half years ago, and now his name is on the list of those missing,” he said, adding that his family members met MEA officials and pleaded for clarity on his brother’s status by taking up the matter with the Russian government.

Pawan Kumar, the brother of another missing youth, Deepak Kumar, said they lost contact with him in June 2024.

According to the information shared by the families, at least eight men from UP’s Azamgarh and two from Punjab, including Mandeep, died while serving in the Russian army. Among those who have remained out of contact with their families for over a year include Ajharuddin Khan, Bhuvneshawar, Deepak Kumar, Ramchander, Yoginder Yadav, and a few others from Uttar Pradesh, as well as one man from Punjab.

The families say many of them were recruited between January and March 2024 by agents who promised overseas jobs. Within weeks of the recruitment, all communications with them ceased.

Jagdeep said that during the two months he spent in Russia searching for Mandeep, he managed to compile a list, procured from Russian officers and hospitals, which had the details of 10 deceased Indians, including his brother, and four other missing men.

Jagdeep said his brother was recruited into the Russian army on February 8, 2024, and they last spoke on March 3 that year. Russian authorities confirmed his death on October 15, 2025.

Similarly, Tezpal Singh was recruited on January 29, 2024, and last communicated with his family on March 3, 2024. His death was confirmed on July 31, 2025.

Vinod Yadav joined the army on January 17, 2024, and his family last spoke to him on March 25, 2024. His death was confirmed nearly a year later, on March 4, 2025.

Dhinender Kumar was recruited on January 17, 2024. His death was confirmed on March 4, 2025, almost a year after he last spoke to family members on March 25, 2024.

A Punjab native, whose family is yet to be informed of his death, was recruited into the Russian army on October 25, 2022. He last spoke to them on March 26, 2023. His death was confirmed on August 15, 2025.

An Azamgarh native, whose parents are yet to learn of his death, was recruited on January 17, 2024. He last spoke to them on March 25, 2024, and his death was confirmed on March 4, 2025.

One more person from Azamgarh was recruited on March 10, 2024. He last spoke to his family on June 15, 2024, and his death was confirmed on March 4, 2025.

Hameshwar Prasad was recruited into the Russian army on February 8, 2024. His last conversation with family was on March 7, 2024. He is believed to be missing. So is Deepak Kumar, who was recruited on February 7, 2024, and last contacted his relatives on June 7 that year. Azharuddin Khan was recruited on February 8, 2024. His final communication with family members was on April 27, 2024. Ram Chandra, recruited on February 8, 2024, last talked with his kin on March 3, 2024.

With the pattern in most cases indicating that the men died around the time contact was lost with them, the families have urged the MEA to ensure that they receive proper official intimation in this regard, besides seeking monetary compensation and long-term financial aid.

“Our suffering is not just about loss,” said one family member. “It is about the silence, the waiting, and the fear of telling our parents the truth without bringing their son home.”

Jagdeep said nearly half of the deceased men’s families are unaware of their passing, adding that he cannot inform them unless the Indian government formally confirms it. However, he has managed to tell the siblings in some cases.

Meanwhile, Mandeep’s remains are yet to be cremated, even as the family is demanding the arrest of all agents and the recovery of money from those who allegedly charged them over Rs 30 lakh to send his disabled brother to Italy, but instead took him to Russia where he was forced to join the army.