As many as 217 Indian nationals joined the Russian Armed Forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and 49 of them have lost their lives in the conflict, the Centre told the Supreme Court.Following sustained diplomatic engagement undertaken by the Government of India with the Russian Federation, 139 Indian nationals have been released from the contracts they signed to join the Russian Army, the Centre said in a status report submitted to the top court.”Further, 49 Indian nationals are reported to have lost their lives in the conflict. Additionally, 6 Indian nationals have been confirmed missing by the Russian side, whereas the status of 23 individuals remains unknown and continues to be under active follow-up by the Embassy of India in Moscow with the Russian authorities,” the report stated.As per the latest information available with the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 217 Indian nationals had reportedly joined the Russian armed forces, it said.The petitioners’ counsel raised the issue of compensation to the affected families.The status report has been filed in response to a petition seeking directions to the Centre to take measures for safe repatriation of 26 Indian citizens allegedly detained in Russia and forced to fight in the ongoing war with Ukraine.Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati told a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday that to facilitate tracing of missing Indians and identification of mortal remains, DNA reports of the immediate family members of 21 individuals had been collected and transmitted to the Russian authorities.All such cases were being dealt with on utmost priority and were under continuous follow-up with the Russian authorities for resolution, while simultaneously keeping affected family informed about the developments, the Centre submitted.Regarding the 26 individuals referred to in the petition, the Centre said 14 cases pertained to reported deaths while 11 of them have been notified by the Russian authorities as “missing in action” or presently not in contact with their families. One case pertained to imprisonment for eight years on molestation charges, it added.“It is submitted that immediately upon receipt of information regarding any Indian national joining the Russian Army, the Embassy has consistently taken up such matters with the Russian authorities to ensure safety, and secure early release and repatriation of the concerned individuals,” the Centre said.It said the embassy has also facilitated transportation of mortal remains in eight cases with consent of the concerned families and necessary procedures are currently underway in relation to the mortal remains of one individual.“In all such cases, expenditure has been borne from the Indian Community Welfare Fund,” it said.“It appears that certain Indian nationals voluntarily signed up contracts to join Russian Army lured by attractive salary package that amounts to an upfront signing bonus of around USD 5,000 and monthly salary of about USD 2,500, in addition to promise of Russian citizenship, other social benefits, and compensation of about US$ 1,68,000 in case of death,” the report said.