New Delhi, November 1, 2025: The Russian embassy on Saturday stated that it is closely coordinating with Indian authorities concerning a Russian national who reportedly left India with her child amid a custody dispute, despite the Supreme Court granting shared custody to the child’s Indian father. The embassy reiterated that it acts in full compliance with Indian law to safeguard the rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens.

The statement came a day after the Supreme Court expressed frustration with Delhi Police for failing to make progress in tracing the woman, identified as Victoria Basu. The court had raised questions about the role of Russian embassy officials in facilitating Basu’s departure and why custodial interrogation had not yet been conducted, even as more than three months had passed since her disappearance. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, emphasized the urgency of pursuing accountability, including possible action against embassy officials allegedly involved in arranging her travel.

Reports suggest that Basu, who came to India in 2019, approached Indian courts in 2023 seeking full custody of her son, citing the breakdown of her marriage. In May, the Supreme Court granted shared custody, allowing each parent to spend three days a week with the child, extended Basu’s visa, and directed the police to monitor her residence. Despite these measures, Basu disappeared on July 7, 2025, with evidence indicating that two Russian embassy officials, Albert Shtodaand Arthur Gerbst, arranged a vehicle that took her to the Indo-Nepal border in Bihar. From there, she flew to Russia via Sharjah.

The Supreme Court questioned why no red corner notice had been issued through Interpol and why the embassy officials involved had not been interrogated in custody. The Delhi Police had submitted evidence of the officials’ involvement, but no custodial questioning had been sought. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the external affairs ministry and Delhi Police, informed the court that only questionnaires had been sent to the officials and there had been no response. The Indian authorities have also approached the Russian prosecutor general under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to seek Basu’s deportation.

The Russian embassy, in its statement, asserted that media reports on the case contained inaccuracies and were based on speculation. The embassy clarified that it is maintaining “close contact with the competent Indian authorities” regarding Basu’s situation, emphasizing its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens in accordance with Indian law.

The Supreme Court’s observations highlight the complex interplay between international diplomacy, child custody law, and domestic legal enforcement. While Basu had legal rights under Indian law, the court’s focus has been on ensuring compliance with its custody order and investigating the role of third parties, including foreign officials, in circumventing Indian judicial directives.

As the case continues, it underscores the challenges Indian authorities face in enforcing court orders against foreign nationals and dealing with potential violations involving embassy personnel. The legal process now hinges on diplomatic communication, Interpol coordination, and potential custodial interrogations of embassy staff, all while addressing the best interests of the child involved.

Authorities have stressed that despite Basu leaving India, they are actively pursuing legal remedies and will continue efforts to secure the child’s return in accordance with the custody order. The ongoing developments have brought international attention to the case, raising questions about the enforcement of domestic court rulings in situations involving foreign nationals and diplomatic immunity considerations.

This incident adds to growing discussions in India about the enforcement of family law against foreign nationals and the procedures for international cooperation in child custody disputes. The Supreme Court is expected to continue monitoring the case closely, ensuring that Indian judicial directives are respected and that steps are taken to protect the child’s welfare.