The wife of a Kanpur-based engineer has reported that her husband was detained by police in Moscow and is facing pressure to enlist in the Russian military. Sneha Chandan Gupta claimed that her husband, Chandan Gupta, was taken into custody around 12.30 pm on Sunday while working on business assignments in Russia. Sneha, currently residing in Moscow, shared a video on social media to raise awareness about the situation.

Chandan, who works as an engineer, is employed with an organisation based in Noida’s Sector 62 and travelled to Russia on a work visa. Sneha highlighted the distress caused by her husband’s detention and called for governmental intervention to ensure his safe return to India.

Wife’s Concerns and Allegations

Sneha Gupta alleged that her husband had not committed any wrongdoing but was detained nonetheless. According to her, after his arrest, authorities are exerting pressure on him to join the Russian armed forces due to a reported shortage of personnel. She indicated that this attempt to recruit foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, is part of a broader trend in Russia.

Additionally, Sneha claimed that her husband experienced harassment around the time of Moscow Day, preceding his detention. However, there has been no independent confirmation regarding the specifics of his detention, the reasons underlying it, or if any formal recruitment process into the Russian military has commenced.

In her emotional appeal, Sneha expressed a lack of understanding of the Russian language, which has hindered her ability to ascertain the complete circumstances of her husband’s situation. She emphasised their distress, given that the couple has a 10-year-old son who is affected by these developments.

Appeal for Government Intervention

In her video message, Sneha urged both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to intervene in her husband’s case. She has also called upon viewers to share her message widely, insisting that the authorities should take her plight seriously. The couple’s family has been deeply impacted by these events, prompting Sneha’s public appeal for assistance.

Reports indicate that Chandan is working in Russia through an Indian company based in Noida with operational engagements in the country. Nevertheless, there has been no official confirmation from the firm, the Indian Embassy, or Russian authorities regarding his detention or the pressing issues of military recruitment.

This incident comes against a background of previous concerns related to Indian nationals in Russia. Reports indicate that some Indians have been reportedly recruited for military roles amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has alarmed families back home. Key details about the reasons behind Chandan’s detention, his current whereabouts, and the status of any potential military recruitment remain unclear.

Context of Indian Nationals in Russian Military

Recent statistics reveal that as of December 2025, a total of 202 Indian nationals were reportedly recruited into Russian military forces, with 26 confirmed fatalities and seven individuals listed as missing. The Indian government has acknowledged instances where citizens were misled or coerced into military service and has been making efforts to secure their repatriation.

Indian nationals have also been known to join Ukraine’s International Legion, leading to casualties on both sides. In July 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a warning regarding fraudulent job offers overseas, emphasising that some citizens were misled into signing up for military roles. Diplomatic efforts have successfully facilitated the release of 139 individuals, while approximately two dozen remain in Russia.

The Supreme Court of India has directed measures to assist families affected by such incidents, including the establishment of nodal officers and provisions for legal aid, compensation, and repatriation assistance. As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and quick return of detained individuals like Chandan Gupta.

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