The Indian government has strongly discouraged nationals from joining the Russian armed forces, warning of mortal dangers, fraudulent job offers and citizenship risks, while continuing diplomatic efforts with Russia to secure the release of Indians recruited into its military.
The Indian government has once again strongly discouraged Indian nationals from joining the Russian armed forces, warning that such recruitment amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is a dangerous course of action that could expose individuals to serious and potentially fatal risks.
In a fresh advisory issued for Indians travelling to Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it continues to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces. The ministry reiterated that the government has repeatedly cautioned citizens over the past two years about the risks associated with such recruitment.
The MEA urged Indian citizens to exercise extreme caution when exploring employment opportunities abroad and warned them not to be attracted by job offers made by unverified individuals or agencies.
According to the ministry, there have been several cases in which Indian nationals have voluntarily sought opportunities to join the Russian armed forces after being promised financial benefits. Some individuals reportedly accepted such offers with the expectation that they could later approach the Indian government for assistance in securing their release.
The government, however, stressed that joining the Russian armed forces under such circumstances is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged.
The MEA also highlighted cases involving Indian nationals who approached authorities seeking to surrender their Indian citizenship, obtain Russian passports and subsequently join the Russian armed forces. The ministry said some individuals had already taken such steps without consulting Indian authorities after being attracted by temporary financial benefits.
The government warned that such decisions carry serious consequences and urged citizens to fully understand the risks before taking any action.
“Individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to,” the MEA said, advising Indian nationals to refrain from taking such steps.
The advisory also drew attention to the involvement of non-public entities, including voluntary groups, in recruiting foreign nationals for service in the Russian armed forces. Against this backdrop, the government asked Indian citizens to conduct proper verification before accepting employment offers from agents or organisations.
The MEA specifically advised Indians to exercise due diligence when dealing with recruitment agents that are not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs. The warning comes amid continuing efforts by the Indian government to assist nationals who have already been recruited into the Russian military.
The ministry said the Government of India remains engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces.
India has previously raised the issue with Russia and sought the release of Indian citizens who were recruited into its military. During a media briefing in July, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 139 Indian nationals had been released from the Russian Army as a result of India’s efforts.
Jaiswal said at the time that the government was continuing discussions with the Russian authorities regarding the remaining Indian nationals reportedly serving in the Russian Army. He said efforts were underway to secure the release of the remaining group, estimated at around two dozen people at that time.
The spokesperson also repeated the government’s warning about risky employment offers made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies.
The latest advisory reinforces New Delhi’s broader caution to Indians seeking employment overseas. The government has consistently advised citizens to verify overseas employment opportunities, recruitment agencies and contractual terms before travelling abroad for work.
The MEA’s warning is particularly significant in the context of military recruitment, where accepting an apparently lucrative employment opportunity can carry substantially greater risks than ordinary overseas employment.
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Indian nationals travelling to Russia have therefore been advised to remain cautious, verify the credentials of prospective employers and recruitment agents, and avoid offers involving military service or other activities carrying significant personal risks.
The government has also made clear that diplomatic efforts to assist Indian nationals already serving in the Russian armed forces will continue, while simultaneously urging other citizens not to enter similar arrangements.
