Court Says It Doesn’t Want to Strain India-Russia Relations, Expresses Concern for Child in Custody Dispute

India-Russia Relations- The Supreme Court of India on Friday expressed deep concern over the lack of cooperation from the Russian Embassy regarding the whereabouts of a Russian woman who allegedly fled India with her four-year-old child amid a custody dispute with her estranged Indian husband.

Russian Woman Allegedly Fled With Child

According to reports, the woman, identified as Victoria Basu, reportedly left India with her minor son through the Nepal border and may have reached Russia. The Centre informed the top court about this development but said that it was still waiting for meaningful assistance from the Russian authorities.

The case involves Victoria and her husband Saikat Basu, who are engaged in a legal battle over the custody of their child. The issue reached the Supreme Court after the father complained that his estranged wife had taken the child away without the court’s permission.

Supreme Court Expresses Concern for Child(India-Russia Relations)

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the court was cautious not to take any steps that could harm India’s diplomatic relationship with Russia. However, the judges emphasized that the matter was serious because it involved the safety and well-being of a young child.

“we do not want to pass any order that impacts relation between the two countries, but it is also an important matter as it is about a kid,” the bench observed.

The court expressed hope that the child was safe and healthy with his mother but added that it wanted to ensure the case was not one of child trafficking or exploitation. It granted the authorities two more weeks to coordinate with Russian officials and gather more information about the child and his mother.

Efforts by the MEA and Delhi Police

The court reviewed two status reports—one from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and another from the Delhi Police—regarding the search for Victoria and the child. Both reports highlighted the difficulties faced in getting cooperation from the Russian side.

The MEA informed the bench that the Indian Embassy in Moscow had contacted Russian authorities but received no helpful response. It added that Indian officials were also coordinating with the Delhi Police and questioning people in Nepal who may have assisted Victoria in leaving India.

The Delhi Police reported similar challenges. It said that despite reaching out to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, no assistance was provided. The police also contacted the Bank of Russia, where Victoria had maintained accounts, but received no feedback from that end either.

Centre Says Efforts Are Stuck

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati told the court that she had personally spoken to officials at the Russian Embassy but did not get any satisfactory response. “We are roadblocked on data from the Russian side, despite our best efforts,” the Centre informed the court.

Background of the Case

Victoria, a Russian citizen, had been living in India since 2019. She initially came to the country on an X-1 Visa, which later expired. During the ongoing legal proceedings, the Supreme Court had allowed the extension of her visa multiple times.

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In August, the court had directed the MEA to seek the help of the Indian Embassy in Moscow and Interpol to trace Victoria and her child. It had also warned the Centre and the Delhi Police that it would issue the “harshest of orders” if swift action was not taken.

Court Pulls Up Delhi Police

The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Delhi Police for their delay in acting on Saikat Basu’s complaint. Justice Kant remarked that the police’s “negligence” allowed Victoria to flee the country and that they would be held accountable if the child was not found soon.

“The matrimonial dispute and custody battle were pending with us, and we had not given custody to either father or mother. The child has been snatched away from the custody of the Supreme Court of India,” the bench said firmly.

Diplomatic Sensitivity

The case has surfaced at a sensitive time, as India and Russia recently marked 25 years of their strategic partnership, and preparations are underway for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in early December.

While the court continues to prioritize the child’s safety, it has made it clear that it wants to handle the issue delicately, ensuring that India-Russia relations remain unaffected while pursuing justice for the family involved.