The Centre informed the Supreme Court that 217 Indians joined the Russian army during the Ukraine war, with 49 confirmed dead and several still missing.
New Delhi: The Centre has informed the Supreme Court of India that 217 Indian nationals joined the Russian armed forces during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with 49 confirmed dead and several others still missing or awaiting repatriation.
Representing the Ministry of External Affairs before the Supreme Court, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said 49 Indians serving with Russian forces had died during the conflict.
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The government also informed the court that six Indians remain officially missing in action, while the status of 23 others is still unknown.
According to the Centre, the Indian Embassy in Russia is actively coordinating with Russian authorities to verify deaths, trace missing individuals and facilitate the return of released personnel.
139 Indians released from Russian military service
The Centre said 139 Indians had already been released from military service and efforts are underway to bring them back to India.
Officials stated that assistance including air tickets has been provided through the Indian Community Welfare Fund for returning individuals.
The government also informed the court that families of deceased Indians are being helped in claiming compensation from Russian authorities.
Russia allegedly attracted foreigners with lucrative offers
The Centre told the court that many foreign nationals, including Indians, were allegedly attracted to the Russian military through lucrative financial packages and promises of citizenship.
According to the submission, recruits were offered signing bonuses, monthly salaries, social benefits and compensation packages in case of death.
The government stated that some individuals voluntarily signed military contracts after being influenced by these incentives.
Indian students reportedly joined to seek amnesty
The Centre also revealed details of two Indian students who allegedly joined Russian military service while facing legal trouble in Russia. According to the government, Kishore Saravanan and Sahil Mahamadhusen Majothi had signed military contracts while serving prison sentences in narcotics-related cases.
One of them was later released following intervention by the Indian government but reportedly chose to remain in Russia after obtaining citizenship.
DNA identification and compensation process underway
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that DNA samples from family members of missing individuals had been shared with Russian authorities to help identify mortal remains.
It added that recovery of bodies from active conflict zones remains difficult due to ongoing fighting in the region.
The government further said compensation has already been paid in some cases, while several claims remain under process.
Published: 24 May 2026, 01:00 pm IST
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