The Union government informed the Supreme Court that as many as 217 Indians had joined the Russian armed forces, of which 49 have died and six are missing in action during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The government stated that the Indian Embassy is making active efforts to bring back 139 individuals who have been released from military service.
Government Submission in Supreme Court
Representing the Ministry of External Affairs, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant that while Russia has confirmed six Indians are missing, the status of 23 others remains unknown. Addressing complaints from relatives of some Indians serving in the Russian forces regarding lack of assistance in repatriation, Bhati said: "The Indian embassy remains in constant communication with Russia for verification and confirmation of the remaining cases of reported deaths and is actively assisting their return to India." She added that 48 air tickets have been provided under the Indian Community Welfare Fund so far.
Reasons for Joining Russian Army
Explaining why a large number of Indians have joined the Russian army despite the ongoing war, the Centre told the Supreme Court that Russia lured foreigners with lucrative packages, social security, compensation, citizenship offers, and remission of prison sentences. Bhati stated: "It appears that certain Indian nationals voluntarily signed contracts to join Russian army, lured by the attractive salary package that amounts to an upfront signing bonus of around $5,000 USD and a monthly salary of $2,500 USD, in addition to promise of Russian citizenship, social benefits and compensation of $1,68,000 in case of death."
Specific Cases
Two Indian students, Kishore Saravanan and Sahil Mahamadhusen Majothi, had signed military contracts to avail of amnesty while serving prison sentences in narcotics cases. While Saravanan was released from the armed forces on Indian government intervention, he stayed in Russia and took its citizenship. Majothi reportedly surrendered to Ukrainian forces, and the government is taking up his case with that country. Bhati also noted that Russian authorities refused to recruit Ashim Kumar Chatterjee from Kolkata following Indian government intervention.
Compensation and Identification Efforts
Out of four compensation claims submitted through the Indian embassy to Russian authorities, one family has received compensation. Three other claims submitted independently have also been cleared, and compensation has been paid by the Russian government to the families. To facilitate tracing of missing individuals and identification of mortal remains, DNA reports of immediate family members of 21 individuals have been collected and transmitted to Russian authorities with active facilitation by the Indian government.
Petitioners' Concerns
Though the petitioner's counsel had been given the status report more than a week earlier, the lawyer told the bench that the report was given to him only on Thursday, a day before the hearing. Bhati deprecated the lawyer's attempt to sensationalize the somber issue, stating that required assistance is being provided to families of the deceased for claiming compensation from Russian authorities.
Details of 26 Individuals Referred in Petition
The government informed the Supreme Court that of the 26 individuals referred to in the petition, 14 have died, 11 are reported by Russian authorities as missing in action, and one has been imprisoned for eight years after being convicted of molestation charges. That person was arrested in April last year and sentenced in February this year. The government said Russian authorities have informed the Indian government that recovery or extrication of mortal remains of Indians from the conflict zone is not possible at present.
