VOI World/ Desk
In a high-profile child custody dispute, India has accused Russia of stonewalling efforts to trace a Russian woman and her four-and-a-half-year-old son who went missing in July 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told the Supreme Court that despite repeated requests, Russian authorities have not cooperated, blocking access to crucial police and banking data.
The Russian mother, who was living in India on an extended visa, disappeared with her son despite court orders and Look Out Notices. Reports suggest she left India through Nepal, escaping the surveillance maintained by Indian authorities. The MEA said they have involved Interpol and leveraged all diplomatic channels but have faced consistent roadblocks from the Russian side.
The Supreme Court expressed grave concern for the child’s safety and called on the MEA to intensify efforts, balancing India’s strategic ties with Russia while prioritizing the welfare of its citizen.
In response, the Russian Embassy issued a statement affirming its commitment to the Indo-Russian Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The Embassy said it has cooperated to the fullest extent allowed by Russian law and emphasized that the matter falls under the jurisdiction and due process of the Russian courts. They assured continuing dialogue with Indian authorities while highlighting respect for judicial independence.
The Indian Supreme Court also criticized Delhi Police for failing to maintain effective surveillance during the custody process, which allegedly allowed the woman to abscond. The case now highlights the challenges of cross-border custody disputes and the delicate diplomatic balance between India and Russia.
The Supreme Court has directed ongoing legal and diplomatic action to locate the mother and child, marking the case as a critical intersection of international law, child welfare, and geopolitics.
