India, May 23 -- The Centre on Friday told the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals had reportedly joined the Russian armed forces amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and 49 have lost their lives in the conflict.

In a status report filed before the top court, the Centre said that pursuant to sustained diplomatic engagement undertaken by the Government of India with the Russian Federation, 139 Indian nationals have already been released from the contracts they signed to join the Russian Army.

"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...