The petition seeks financial assistance for families of Indians who died after allegedly being recruited to fight alongside Russian forces in the conflict
The Supreme Court of India has asked the Centre to consider issuing a public notice inviting claims for compensation from families of Indians who died while serving in the Russian armed forces during the Russia-Ukraine war.
The court’s direction came on October 14, as it reviewed government efforts to trace missing recruits, return mortal remains and help bereaved families secure financial assistance from Russian authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs informed a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that 51 Indians had died, while 77 recruits remained untraced. Of these, Russian authorities had confirmed seven as missing, the Centre told the court.
The government said approximately 267 Indians had joined the Russian armed forces. While 139 had been discharged, efforts were continuing to locate those whose whereabouts remained unknown.
The court asked the ministry to submit a fresh status report detailing compensation paid by Russia to the families of six deceased Indians. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told the bench that five claims had been fully settled and one had received partial compensation.
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The judges emphasised that families of all 51 deceased Indians were entitled to seek compensation
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They also directed the District Legal Services Authorities in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to provide free legal assistance to affected families
The support is intended to help relatives file claims, complete DNA testing and meet other legal and administrative requirements. DNA matching is particularly important in cases where mortal remains have yet to be conclusively identified.
The case concerns allegations that travel agents deceived Indian nationals with promises of employment, including jobs in hospitality, before they were recruited into the Russian military. Many reportedly travelled to Russia during 2024 and 2025, with several subsequently sent to conflict zones.
The petitioners have sought the return of mortal remains, compensation for victims’ families and action against agents allegedly involved in the recruitment.
The Centre said a nodal officer had been appointed to coordinate assistance. The Supreme Court had earlier directed the government to facilitate DNA matching and improve coordination with affected families.
The latest proceedings underline the continuing challenges faced by families seeking answers, the return of their relatives’ remains and compensation for losses linked to the conflict.
