Supreme Court of India asks Centre to respond on plea over Indians allegedly forced into Russia-Ukraine War.
April 10, 2026: The Supreme Court of India on Friday sought a response from the Centre within a week on a plea concerning 26 Indian nationals allegedly trapped in the Russia-Ukraine War zone and forced to fight. Hearing the petition filed by family members, the court expressed concern over the claims that the individuals were being held in Russia and coerced into joining the conflict against their will.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions and submit the government’s stand within a week. The petition alleges that recruitment agents lured individuals with job offers, confiscated their documents upon arrival, and forced them into the military.
Families have claimed that contact with several of the affected individuals has been lost since late last year, with their last known locations believed to be in conflict-hit areas. The plea seeks urgent diplomatic intervention, appointment of a nodal officer, and strict action against illegal recruitment networks. It also argues that under international obligations, including the Vienna Convention, Indian nationals abroad are entitled to protection and assistance, which has allegedly not been adequately provided in this case.