'Dangerous path': India warns citizens against joining Russian military

The MEA has issued an advisory cautioning Indian nationals against joining the Russian armed forces due to mortal dangers.

Instances show individuals willingly seeking recruitment for monetary benefits, with some even renouncing Indian citizenship.

The Indian government is continuously engaged with Russia to ensure the safety and early discharge of Indian nationals in their armed forces.

Indians are advised to exercise due diligence and avoid job offers from unregistered agents or non-public entities recruiting for foreign forces.

Government efforts have already led to the release of 139 Indian nationals from the Russian armed forces.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory on Wednesday for Indians travelling to Russia, cautioning them against seeking recruitment in the Russian armed forces, and advised that individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to.

In its advisory, the MEA also said it has "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".

"It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the government," the advisory said.

Government Efforts And Warnings

The MEA underlined that the Indian government remains "continuously engaged" with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces.

The advisory further said Indian nationals are advised to "exercise due diligence" before accepting job offers from such agents who are not registered with the MEA.

"It has also come to our notice that foreign nationals are being recruited to serve in the Russian armed forces by non-public entities including voluntary groups," the MEA cautioned.

The ministry has regularly called upon Indians to stay away from job offers that are "fraught" with risks.

Risks Of Unverified Recruitment And Citizenship

"We are continuing to see reports about Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces. Government has on several occasions over the past two years underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and advised Indian citizens from time to time to be cautious while pursuing job opportunities abroad and not get lured by any job offers from unverified individuals," the advisory said.

There have also been "numerous instances wherein individuals have approached Indian authorities to willingly give up their Indian citizenship, avail a Russian passport and then get recruited in Russian armed forces. Some have already done so without consulting Indian authorities, having been lured by temporary monetary benefits", it added.

It is advised that individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to. The government advises Indian nationals to refrain from taking such actions, the MEA added.

The MEA had said in July that the government's efforts had led to the release of 139 Indian nationals.

New Delhi has multiple times asked Russia to release all Indians serving as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, with Russian military units.