The Ministry of External Affairs has urged the Punjab government to provide urgent legal and administrative support to families of men lured into the Russian army who died in the conflict with Ukraine.
- The MEA has directed Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to facilitate DNA tests for parentage verification.
- Six men from Punjab are identified as deceased; some bodies have been repatriated while others remain missing.
- Free legal aid will be provided through district authorities for compensation claims and documentation.
The Central Government has issued a directive to the Punjab government to provide immediate assistance to the families of men from the state who were allegedly duped by travel agents. These individuals were promised lucrative jobs but were instead trafficked to Russia and coerced into joining the Russian armed forces, subsequently losing their lives in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has specifically asked the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to ensure that the parents of the deceased undergo DNA tests. This is a critical step to ensure the accurate identification of mortal remains before they are handed over to the families. Furthermore, the MEA has mandated that District Legal Services Authorities provide free legal aid to help families navigate the complex process of filing compensation claims with Russian authorities.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this tragedy is a symptom of a larger systemic failure in regulating overseas recruitment. The exploitation of unemployed youth from border states like Punjab by unscrupulous agents has created a geopolitical crisis for the Indian government. By decentralizing the assistance to state governments, the Centre is attempting to speed up the repatriation process, which has been stalled by bureaucratic hurdles and the volatility of the combat zones.
In a submission to the Supreme Court, the MEA revealed that approximately 49 out of 217 Indians recruited into the Russian army have died. In Punjab, a list of six men from Amritsar, Batala, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, and Ludhiana was shared. While the bodies of Sahil Sekhri, Gursewak Singh, and Samarjeet Singh were returned earlier this year, their families are still struggling to secure the promised compensation.
"The weaponization of economic desperation by fraudulent agents is a crime that transcends borders and requires an international legal response."
The situation remains grim for other families. Hira Singh of Amritsar died on November 4, 2025, but his body could not be evacuated due to active fighting. Similarly, Harvinder Singh and Jarnail Singh remain missing or unrecovered, despite multiple 'Notes Verbales' sent to the Russian government.
| Status | Body Repatriation | Compensation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Samarjeet, Sahil, Gursewak | Completed | Pending |
| Hira, Harvinder, Jarnail | Awaiting | Initial Stage |
The human cost is further highlighted by the case of Mandeep from Goraya, who was promised work in Italy but ended up in a Russian drone attack in March 2024. His brother, Jagdeep Singh, noted that the family had to spend significant personal funds for DNA sampling before the remains were returned in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Indians have died in the Russian army according to the MEA?
The MEA informed the Supreme Court that 49 Indians have died out of approximately 217 who were recruited.
2. What specific help is the Punjab government providing?
The government will facilitate free DNA tests, provide legal aid for compensation claims, and assist in the translation of documents for Russian authorities.
