10 Indians Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine War, Centre Tells SC

The Supreme Court of India was on Friday informed by the Centre that 10 Indian nationals have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, even as it acknowledged the complex circumstances surrounding their recruitment and deployment.

A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, observed that the matter requires “tactful handling” , particularly in view of the practical difficulties involved in recovering mortal remains from an active war zone.

The submissions were made by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati while responding to a petition seeking urgent directions to secure the safe return of 26 Indian citizens allegedly stranded in Russia and forced to participate in the conflict. According to the Centre, of the 26 individuals named in the plea, 10 have died , one is currently imprisoned on criminal charges, and one has chosen to remain in Russia voluntarily.

The petitioners, however, have painted a starkly different picture, alleging that their relatives were lured to Russia under the pretext of lucrative employment opportunities . They claimed that upon arrival, the individuals had their passports confiscated and were coerced into signing contracts before being deployed to the frontlines. Terming the episode a case of human trafficking , the counsel for the petitioners argued that the victims were duped by unscrupulous agents and forced into combat roles against their will.

Responding to these allegations, the Centre submitted that while some individuals were indeed misled by agents , others had entered into “voluntary contracts” with Russian entities. It also pointed to logistical challenges faced by the Ministry of External Affairs, including difficulties in securing cooperation from certain families in the process of repatriation of mortal remains. In one instance, the government said, a family had requested authorities to retain the remains for a few months as they were pursuing legal action.

The petitioners’ counsel, however, disputed the claim of voluntary enlistment, contending that the circumstances under which the contracts were signed amounted to coercion. He further alleged that the MEA had not been sufficiently responsive, stating that families had sent over 120 representations in recent months without receiving adequate replies. Concerns were also raised over the lack of systematic efforts such as collection of DNA samples for identification of the deceased.

Taking note of the submissions, the Bench directed the MEA to file a comprehensive status report detailing the steps taken so far to ensure the safety, whereabouts, and possible repatriation of the affected Indian citizens.

The plea has sought a range of directions, including measures to secure consular access to the individuals in Russia in line with international obligations, facilitate communication with their families, and ensure access to medical care and legal assistance wherever required. It has also urged the Centre to outline the standard protocols followed in cases involving Indian citizens reported missing or detained abroad.

Additionally, the petition has called for action against illegal recruitment networks operating within India, particularly in states such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, which allegedly played a role in sending individuals abroad under false pretences.

The case has brought into focus the vulnerabilities faced by job seekers and the serious risks of fraudulent overseas recruitment , especially in conflict situations with far-reaching diplomatic and humanitarian implications.