Surat diamond worker untraceable after joining Russian army

A Surat family is desperately appealing for government assistance to locate 39-year-old Ramnik Sakhwala, who has been untraceable for over four months after joining the Russian Army in a non-combatant role following a move to Russia for better job prospects. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters

Ramnik Sakhwala, 39, from Surat, moved to Russia in 2025 due to a slowdown in the diamond industry.

He joined the Russian Army in June 2026, assured of a non-combatant role supplying food in the war zone.

Ramnik has been untraceable for over four months since his last contact with his wife on June 24.

His family in Surat has approached the MEA, Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujaratis Foundation, Russian Consulate, and PMO for help.