Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Central Government has shared crucial information with the Supreme Court regarding Indian citizens stranded in the conflict zone. The government informed the court that, to date, approximately 217 Indian citizens have joined the Russian army, 49 of whom have died. This information came to light through a status report filed in the Supreme Court on Friday.

Specifically, the court is currently hearing petitions demanding the safe repatriation of Indian citizens stranded in Russia. The petitions allege that many Indians were sent to Russia under the false promise of jobs and a better future, only to be subsequently deployed to the war zone.

During the hearing, the issue of providing compensation to the affected families was also raised. While scheduling the next hearing for the case, the Supreme Court stated that the safety and repatriation of Indian citizens stranded in crisis situations abroad would continue to be a subject of deliberation.

139 Indians Repatriated So Far

A report submitted to the court by the Ministry of External Affairs stated that, thanks to the Indian government's persistent diplomatic efforts, 139 Indian citizens have so far been released from their contracts with the Russian army and brought back home. The government affirmed that this issue is being continuously raised with the Russian government, and the Indian Embassy in Moscow remains in constant contact with the affected citizens.

49 Deaths, 6 Missing, Status of 23 Still Unclear

According to the Central Government, the deaths of 49 Indian citizens during the war have been confirmed. Additionally, 6 individuals remain missing, while clear information regarding the status of 23 other Indians is currently unavailable. The government stated that the process of continuously gathering information and conducting inquiries into these cases is ongoing.

Of the 26 Indian citizens specifically mentioned in the petition filed in the Supreme Court, 14 have died. Meanwhile, 11 individuals have been listed as "Missing in Action" or out of contact. Furthermore, a case involving an 8-year prison sentence handed down to an Indian citizen has also come to light.

The Lure of Jobs and High Salaries Becomes a Trap

Reports reveal that several Indian citizens traveled to Russia enticed by the promise of attractive jobs and high salaries. They were promised a signing bonus of approximately $5,000, a monthly salary of $2,500, Russian citizenship, and various other benefits. However, they were subsequently conscripted into the Russian military and deployed to the war zone.

The Government's Continuous Diplomatic Efforts

The Central Government has stated that, since February 2024, it has been issuing continuous advisories urging Indian citizens to stay away from the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone. The Indian Embassy is regularly engaging with those affected, and in several instances, the mortal remains of the deceased have been repatriated to their families.

The government has also clarified that action has been initiated against illegal recruitment networks and human trafficking rings responsible for sending Indian citizens to Russia under false pretenses.