49 Indians Killed In Ukraine War, 217 Joined Russian Army: Government Report

New Delhi: Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, the central government has made a big disclosure in the Supreme Court. According to the government, so far 217 Indian citizens have become part of the Russian Army. Of these, the deaths of 49 people have been confirmed. Many Indians are still reported missing. The government has given all this information to the court in the status report.

How many Indians were brought back safely?

The government told the court that through continuous diplomatic negotiations and efforts, 139 Indians have been freed from Russian Army contracts and brought back to India. Talks are going on with the Russian government to bring back the remaining people. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow are working on this.

How many Indians are still missing?

According to government reports, 6 Indian citizens are still missing. Apart from this, the status of 23 other people is not clear. That means it is not known whether he is alive, injured or killed in the war. The Indian Embassy is in touch with Russian officials and is trying to gather information about each one.

How did the matter reach the Supreme Court?

This whole matter is related to a petition. The petition alleged that 26 Indians were sent to Russia on the pretext of jobs and were then forcibly recruited into the Russian army and thrown into the Ukraine war. The petitioners had demanded the safe return of all Indians from the government.

Who is hearing the case in the Supreme Court?

This case is being heard by the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi. On behalf of the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati presented the government's side in the court.

What is the condition of the people involved in the petition?

The report said that out of the 26 Indians mentioned in the petition, 14 have died. Eleven others have been described by Russian officials as “missing in action” or their families cannot be contacted. An Indian has also been sentenced to 8 years in prison in a molestation case.

Why were DNA samples sent to Russia?

DNA samples of 21 families have been sent to Russia to identify the missing people and match them with the bodies. The government said that continuous updates are being given to the affected families and every case is being looked at on priority.

Why did Indian youth join the Russian army?

Initial investigation revealed that many youths were lured by promises of huge salaries, bonuses and Russian citizenship. A signing bonus of about 5,000 dollars was given at the time of recruitment. They were lured with a salary of around 2500 dollars per month and a compensation of Rs. 1.68 lakh to the family in case of war death.