The Government of India has issued a fresh warning to Indian citizens against joining the Russian Armed Forces, cautioning that the move could expose them to serious and potentially fatal risks.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement issued on September 30, said it had repeatedly highlighted the dangers associated with Indians being recruited into the Russian military over the past two years. It urged citizens seeking employment abroad to exercise extreme caution and avoid unverified job offers from agents or non-governmental entities.
The MEA said it had also come across cases where individuals voluntarily sought opportunities to join the Russian Armed Forces in expectation of monetary benefits, while believing they could later secure their release with the help of the Indian government.
The ministry further noted instances where individuals approached Indian authorities seeking to give up their Indian citizenship, obtain Russian passports and subsequently join the Russian military. Some had already taken such steps without consulting Indian authorities after being attracted by temporary financial benefits.
The government warned that such decisions could have grave consequences and urged Indian nationals to refrain from joining the Russian Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the MEA said India remains in continuous contact with Russia to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens currently serving in its armed forces and facilitate their earliest possible return to India.