Russia-Ukraine war: SC directs Centre to appoint Nodal Officer, assist families of Indians killed or missing in conflict
The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to appoint a Nodal Officer to assist families of Indian citizens who were killed, injured, or went missing while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The court also directed legal services authorities to help these families secure mortal remains and pursue compensation claims.
Why it matters
This intervention addresses the humanitarian crisis faced by Indian nationals who were allegedly duped into participating in a foreign war, ensuring state support for affected families.
The directions came while hearing a petition filed by family members of those who allegedly died or went missing after being recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. File image. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
The Supreme Court on Friday (July 31, 2026) directed the Centre to appoint a Nodal Officer in the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the families of those who have died, gone missing, or suffered injuries while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war .
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana also directed the MEA to facilitate DNA matching of family members with the mortal remains.
It asked the MEA to assist affected families in filing compensation claims before the Russian Embassy in New Delhi and to provide all relevant information and updates in vernacular languages.
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