217 Indians joined Russian forces, 49 killed: Centre to SC
The Centre on Friday told the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals had reportedly joined the Russian armed forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and 49 have lost their lives in the conflict.
In a status report filed before the top court, the Centre said that pursuant to sustained diplomatic engagement undertaken by the Government of India with the Russian Federation, 139 Indian nationals have already been released from the contracts they signed to join the Russian Army.
“Further, 49 Indian nationals are reported to have lost their lives in the conflict. Additionally, 6 Indian nationals have been confirmed missing by the Russian side, whereas the status of 23 individuals remains unknown and continues to be under active follow-up by the Embassy of India in Moscow with the Russian authorities,” the report said.
The status report was filed in a plea before the top court seeking directions to the Centre to take steps to facilitate the safe repatriation of 26 Indian citizens who have allegedly been detained in Russia and forced to fight in the ongoing war with Ukraine. “It is submitted that as per the latest information available with the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 217 Indian nationals had reportedly joined the Russian armed forces,” the status report said.
On Friday, the plea came up for hearing before a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, referred to the status report.
The report said that in order to facilitate the tracing of missing individuals and identification of mortal remains, DNA reports of the immediate family members of 21 individuals have been collected and transmitted to the Russian authorities with active facilitation by the Government of India.
It said all such cases were being dealt with on utmost priority and were under continuous follow-up with the Russian authorities for resolution, while simultaneously keeping the affected family informed about the developments.
The report said that with respect to the 26 individuals referred to in the plea, as per the present status available with the authorities, 14 cases pertained to reported deaths.
It said 11 of them have been notified by the Russian authorities as “missing in action” or presently not in contact with their families.
