India warns citizens against joining Russian army, calls it a ‘dangerous path’

NEW DELHI, Oct 1: India has issued a fresh warning to its citizens against joining the Russian armed forces, describing such recruitment as a “dangerous path” and cautioning that those who take up such offers could face mortal risks amid the war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it continues to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces and has repeatedly highlighted the risks involved. The ministry said some individuals have voluntarily sought offers to join the Russian military because of promised financial benefits, later approaching Indian authorities seeking their release.

“It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the government,” the MEA said.

The ministry also said it had encountered cases in which individuals voluntarily gave up their Indian citizenship, obtained Russian passports and subsequently joined the Russian armed forces. It urged Indians to consider the seriousness of such decisions and the “mortal dangers” they could face.

The advisory further warned that foreign nationals are being recruited through non-public entities, including voluntary groups, and advised Indians to exercise due diligence before accepting employment offers from agents who are not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.

India said it remains in continuous discussions with Russia to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces.

According to figures cited by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri last month, 227 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian armed forces since the start of the war in 2022. Of these, 139 had been discharged and 51 had died, while India continued efforts to secure the release and repatriation of those remaining.

Misri said India was in constant discussions with Moscow on the issue and that the Indian Embassy in Moscow was monitoring the cases and working with Russian authorities to facilitate the discharge and return of Indian nationals.