Amid reports of Indian citizens being recruited into the Russian armed forces, the Government of India has once again issued a strong warning against joining the Russian military. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian citizens to stay away from such recruitment, calling it a “dangerous and life-threatening” path.
In a statement issued on September 30, the MEA said that over the past two years, the government has repeatedly warned Indian citizens about the serious risks involved in joining the Russian armed forces. The government has also advised people looking for employment opportunities abroad to be extremely careful and avoid job offers from unverified agents or organisations.
The ministry said that several cases have come to its notice where people have voluntarily sought opportunities to join the Russian armed forces, believing that they could earn financial benefits and later seek help from the Indian government to get released from military service. The MEA made it clear that such an approach is risky and strongly advised Indian citizens not to take this route.
The government also said that some people have voluntarily given up their Indian citizenship to obtain Russian passports and then join the Russian armed forces. In some cases, people reportedly took such decisions for short-term financial benefits without seeking advice from Indian officials. The MEA urged citizens to understand the seriousness of such decisions and consider the potentially life-threatening risks involved.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that the Indian government remains in constant contact with the Russian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens currently serving in the Russian armed forces and to facilitate their return to India at the earliest possible opportunity.
