India Warns Citizens: Don’t Join Russian Army
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory urging all Indian nationals to avoid offers to join the Russian military amid the Ukraine war. The government calls such offers “fraught with danger.”
Ongoing Concerns
Despite earlier claims by Russia that it stopped recruiting Indians in its armed forces in April 2024, there are fresh reports that Indian citizens continue to be recruited, sometimes under misleading pretences.
Government Response
India has taken up the issue with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow. The MEA says it is also in touch with families of affected Indian nationals. No exact numbers of those recruited recently have been published.
Risk Warnings
Indian officials warn that recruitment into foreign military service poses serious risks to life, security, and legal status. The ministry says citizens may be deceived or coerced, and that such roles could expose them to combat, legal limbo, or harm.
