DNA tests, legal aid: Centre asks Punjab to help families of men killed in Russia

The Centre has instructed the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to provide support to families of men from these states who were allegedly deceived into the Russian military and died in the conflict with Ukraine. Some families have received compensation and repatriated remains, while others await both. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has directed the states to offer DNA testing assistance, free legal aid for handling compensation claims and other formalities, and translated documents to facilitate the process.

DNA matching should be completed before the return of remains, and the MEA is to facilitate the sharing of test reports with the Russian authorities. Six men from Punjab have been identified by the Centre as among the 49 Indians who have died in Russia; their bodies have been returned, and the families have received compensation.

However, the remaining families are still waiting for their loved ones' remains and compensation. One mother expressed frustration over the lack of compensation and the delay in receiving her son's remains. The families of the remaining three men are still awaiting their loved ones' return.