NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday said some Indians who were discharged from the Russian army after persistent efforts by govt and the Indian embassy and repatriated had rejoined the force and become untraceable.Placing a status report from the ministry of external affairs before an SC bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati said, "There are numerous instances where Indians willingly seek out offers to join Russian armed forces with an understanding that they would be able to avail concomitant monetary benefits, and later secure release by approaching Indian govt.

"The MEA said some Indians visiting Russia on tourist, student or work visas were expressing interest in joining the Russian army for temporary monetary benefits."There are several instances wherein individuals have approached the embassy to willingly give up their Indian citizenship, avail a Russian passport and then get recruited in the Russian armed forces," it added.