49 Of 217 Indians Who Joined Russian Forces To Fight Ukraine War Dead : Union To Supreme Court

The Union government today informed the Supreme Court that out of 217 Indian nationals who joined the Russian Armed Forces amidst the country's war with Ukraine, 139 have been released from contractual engagements after diplomatic intervention, 49 have lost their lives and 6 have been confirmed missing.

A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi was hearing a writ petition filed by family members of 26 Indian nationals, who were allegedly forced into the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, for the Union, placed the aforementioned information before the Court. She further conveyed that out of the 26 nationals whose family members have approached the Court, 14 have lost their lives, 11 are MIA (missing in action) and 1 is incarcerated in a criminal case. The ASG added that the mortal remains of 8 Indian nationals who lost their lives in the war have been handed over to the families and DNA matching is going on.

Counsel for the petitioner, on the other hand, claimed that the bodies which were being handed over to the families were mutilated to an extent that they were unrecognizable. He further stated that Russia is willing to compensate the aggrieved families (Rs.1.5 crores plus Rs.40000 pension per month), but the efforts are not being followed up. The ASG however said that the Union was facilitating in this regard also through consular and diplomatic measures. CJI Kant also commented, "we don't know who is promising...if they want to give pension, let them give...who is stopping?"

When the petitioner's counsel questioned the Union's endeavors by pointing out that the status report was filed only last night, the ASG took an objection and lamented that an attempt was being made to sensationalize the matter. Ultimately, the bench re-listed the matter, giving liberty to the petitioners to file a response to the status report. With regard to any consequential benefits to which the subject nationals or their family members may be entitled, the Court said that the persons may file claims, which shall be considered by the authorities in accordance with law.

On the last date, the Court had directed the Ministry of External Affairs to file a detailed status report on the steps taken.

According to the Union, many of the individuals had entered into voluntary contracts with Russian entities, though there were also instances where agents may have misled them.

Appearance: Advocates Ritvik Bhanot, Adhyayan Gupta and Aayush Shankar (for petitioners); ASG Aishwarya Bhat

Case Title : DIVYA v. UNION OF INDIA, W.P.(C) No. 451/2026