217 Indians joined Russian armed forces; 49 lost their lives in conflict: Centre

PTI, May 22, 2026, New Delhi : 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 apex court, the Centre said 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, six 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 in order to facilitate 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 appears that certain Indian nationals voluntarily signed up contracts to join the Russian Army lured by attractive salary package that amounts to an upfront signing bonus of around USD 5,000 and monthly salary of about USD 2,500, in addition to promise of Russian citizenship, other social benefits, and compensation of about USD 1,68,000 in case of death," the report said.