SynopsisThe Supreme Court issued directions to aid families of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian military. The Ministry of External Affairs will appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with affected families. DNA tests will be arranged to identify mortal remains of deceased individuals. Legal services authorities will assist families in obtaining remains and filing compensation claims. The MEA must provide details in vernacular languages for better understanding.ReutersSC asks MEA to arrange DNA tests of family members with mortal remains of those who died in Russia-Ukraine warThe Supreme Court on Friday passed a series of directions aimed at helping the families of Indian nationals who died, went missing or were injured after being recruited into the Russian military, in a case where petitioners allege the men were duped by agents into signing up.A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the affected families. The court also directed the MEA to arrange DNA tests of family members to help identify the mortal remains of those who died in the conflict, and to assist families in filing compensation claims with the Russian Embassy in India.Also read: Jaishankar tells Ukraine attacks on Indian seafarers are unacceptableThe bench further asked the legal services authorities to help families obtain the mortal remains of their relatives and to assist them in filing compensation claims.The court also directed the MEA to provide details to the families in vernacular languages, noting that many affected families would be better able to understand official communication in their regional languages rather than English.Also read: India tells Ukraine to ensure safety of 13 stranded Indian seafarers instead of shifting blameThe directions came during the hearing of a petition filed by families of Indian nationals who allege their relatives were lured to Russia with promises of well-paying jobs, only to have their passports confiscated and be pushed into combat roles in the war against Ukraine. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now