A Russian female citizen may cause tension in the relations between India and Russia. This case has also raised concerns for the Supreme Court. This woman is known by the name Victoria Basu. She is originally a Russian citizen and came to India in 2019. Here, she married an Indian citizen named Saikat Basu. After some time, a dispute arose between them, and the custody battle for their four-year-old son reached the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, during the court hearing, Victoria Basu suddenly left India for Russia via Nepal. Notably, she took her child with her. The Supreme Court had extended her visa, but by ignoring the order and leaving the country, the case became more complicated.
While hearing the case, Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stated, “We do not want to make a decision that will affect the relations between India and Russia, but since it is a matter of a child's rights, it cannot be ignored.”
After this development, the Russian Embassy in India responded by saying, “Some reports in the media are far from reality. We are trying to protect our citizens within the framework of Indian law and are in contact with Indian officials.”
This entire incident has temporarily strained the India-Russia friendship. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December, and this issue has come to light just before his visit, drawing close attention at the diplomatic level. The next hearing in this case is expected soon, and the future course of this matter will be determined following the court's order.