India Warns Citizens Against Joining Russian Armed Forces
New Delhi — India on Wednesday again warned its citizens against joining the Russian armed forces, calling it a “dangerous path” and strongly discouraging Indians from seeking recruitment amid the war in Ukraine.
In a fresh advisory for Indians traveling to Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs said it continues to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian military despite repeated warnings over the past two years about the risks involved.
The ministry said Indian citizens should exercise caution when pursuing overseas employment and avoid job offers from unverified individuals or agencies.
“We have also come across numerous instances wherein individuals are willingly seeking out offers to join the Russian armed forces with an understanding that they would be able to avail concomitant monetary benefits, and later secure release by approaching the Indian Government,” the MEA said.
“It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government,” it added.
The ministry also said some individuals have approached Indian authorities seeking to surrender their Indian citizenship, obtain Russian passports and then join the Russian armed forces.
“Some have already done so without consulting Indian authorities, having been lured by temporary monetary benefits,” the MEA said. “It is advised that individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to.”
The government urged Indian nationals to refrain from taking such steps.
The MEA said it has also received information that foreign nationals are being recruited into the Russian armed forces by non-government entities, including volunteer groups.
Indian citizens were advised to conduct due diligence before accepting employment offers from agents not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.
The ministry said the Indian government remains engaged with Russian authorities to secure the safety, well-being and early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military.
In July, the MEA said 139 Indian nationals had been released from the Russian Army, while efforts were continuing to secure the release of about two dozen others.
“We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a July 31 media briefing.
“So far, our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals; we continue to pursue the release of the remaining two dozen Indian nationals who are reportedly in the Russian army,” he added.
Jaiswal also reiterated the government’s warning against risky overseas job offers made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies. (Source: IANS)
