New Delhi, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a fresh advisory cautioning Indian nationals against joining the Russian armed forces, reiterating that such recruitment is a “dangerous path” and strongly discouraged by the government.
The advisory comes amid continued reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces despite repeated warnings from the government over the past two years about the risks involved.
The MEA urged Indians travelling to Russia to exercise caution while pursuing employment opportunities abroad and not fall for job offers made by unverified individuals or agencies.
The ministry said it had come across several instances in which individuals 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 MEA said.
The ministry also said some individuals had approached Indian authorities seeking to give up their Indian citizenship, obtain a Russian passport and subsequently join the Russian armed forces. Others, it said, had already taken such steps without consulting Indian authorities after being attracted by temporary financial benefits.
The MEA urged such individuals to understand the seriousness of their actions and the dangers involved, advising Indian nationals to refrain from taking such steps.
The ministry further said it had received information that foreign nationals were being recruited into the Russian armed forces by non-public entities, including voluntary groups.
“Indian nationals are advised to exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from such agents which are not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs,” it said.
The government also said it remains engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces.
In July, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 139 Indian nationals had been released from the Russian Army and that India was pursuing the release of about two dozen others.
Jaiswal had also cautioned Indians against accepting risky job offers made by unscrupulous individuals or agencies.
The latest advisory comes against the backdrop of continuing Indian diplomatic efforts to secure the release of nationals recruited into the Russian military amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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