In a significant update, the Union government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that 217 Indian nationals had enlisted in the Russian military amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with 139 of them now reportedly released from their commitments. This revelation came during proceedings wherein Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati addressed a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

During her statement, Bhati disclosed that out of the 217 Indians who joined the Russian forces, 49 have tragically lost their lives in the war, while six others have been confirmed missing. Additionally, she shared that of the 26 Indians whose families sought the court’s assistance for their safe return, 14 have been reported dead, 11 are unaccounted for, and one individual is currently imprisoned on criminal charges. The government has confirmed the repatriation of mortal remains of eight individuals to their families.

Concerns regarding the identification of these remains were raised by attorneys representing the families, who questioned how the government could ascertain the identity of deceased individuals when their remains were reportedly unrecognizable. In response, Bhati assured the court that the government is facilitating the process of gathering DNA samples from relatives to aid in identification.

The backdrop of this situation lies in the dramatic escalation of conflict following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has since resulted in the deadliest hostilities in Europe since World War II. Amidst the turmoil, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has consistently issued warnings to citizens against joining foreign military forces, emphasizing that many individuals have been misled by fraudulent agents preying on their vulnerabilities.

While the government strives to assist affected families, the broader implications of this involvement raise crucial questions about the safety and welfare of Indian citizens abroad. The ongoing conflict serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers inherent in war, highlighting the importance of vigilance and caution for Indians considering overseas opportunities.