The Government of India informed the Supreme Court of India that 217 Indian nationals had joined the Russian armed forces during the ongoing Russia Ukraine War, of whom 49 have died while six are currently reported missing in action.
Representing the Ministry of External Affairs before the court, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati stated that Indian authorities and the Indian Embassy in Russia are actively working to facilitate the return of Indian nationals released from military service.
The matter was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
According to the Centre, 139 Indians have already been released from Russian military service, and efforts are underway to repatriate them. The government added that while Russian authorities confirmed six Indians as missing, the status of 23 others remains uncertain.
The Centre informed the court that many Indians were allegedly lured into joining the Russian military through lucrative financial packages, promises of Russian citizenship, social security benefits, and compensation schemes.
As per the government submission, recruits were reportedly offered a signing bonus of approximately USD 5,000, monthly salaries of nearly USD 2,500, and compensation of around USD 168,000 in the event of death.
The government also disclosed that two Indian students — Kishore Saravanan and Sahil Mahamadhusen Majothi — had signed military contracts in an attempt to secure amnesty while serving prison sentences in narcotics-related cases in Russia.
Officials stated that Saravanan was later released following Indian government intervention but subsequently stayed back and acquired Russian citizenship. Majothi reportedly surrendered to Ukrainian forces, and India is pursuing the matter diplomatically.
The government further informed the court that Indian authorities have facilitated compensation claims for affected families. Out of four claims submitted through the Indian Embassy, one family has already received compensation, while additional independently filed claims have also reportedly been settled by Russian authorities.
To assist in identification of missing personnel and mortal remains, DNA samples from relatives of 21 individuals have been collected and shared with Russian authorities.
The Centre also stated that recovery of bodies from active conflict zones is currently not feasible due to the ongoing war conditions.
The case has brought renewed attention to the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into foreign conflict zones and the diplomatic challenges faced in securing their safe return amid continuing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
