NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs has issued a fresh advisory cautioning Indians against joining the Russian armed forces, warning of the “mortal dangers” involved and urging citizens to exercise due diligence when considering job offers in Russia.The advisory, issued on Wednesday, comes amid continued reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian military.The government said it has repeatedly highlighted the risks involved and urged Indians not to be lured by unverified employment offers.
MEA warns against joining Russian forces
The MEA said some Indian nationals have willingly sought offers to join the Russian armed forces in the expectation of receiving monetary benefits and later securing their release with the help of the Indian government.“It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government,” the advisory said.The ministry also said there had been “numerous instances” of individuals approaching Indian authorities to voluntarily give up their Indian citizenship, obtain a Russian passport and subsequently join the Russian armed forces.Some individuals, it said, had already taken such steps without consulting Indian authorities after being attracted by temporary financial benefits.“It is advised that 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 actions.The government also cautioned Indians about recruitment by non-public entities, including voluntary groups, saying foreign nationals were being recruited to serve in the Russian armed forces through such organisations.
India continues talks with Russia
The MEA advised Indians to exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from agents that are not registered with the ministry of external affairs.The government said it remains engaged with Russia to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals serving in the country’s armed forces.
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The latest advisory follows figures shared by foreign secretary Vikram Misri last month. Misri said 227 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian armed forces, of whom 139 had been discharged and 51 had died.Misri said India had raised the issue with Russia “at various levels on various occasions” and remained in constant discussions with Moscow for the early discharge and repatriation of those whose cases were still pending.He also said the Indian Embassy in Moscow was regularly monitoring the situation and working with Russian authorities to facilitate the release and return of the remaining Indian nationals.The MEA’s latest advisory reiterated that engagement with the Russian side would continue to secure the safety and early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces.
