INDIA ISSUES FRESH WARNING AS RUSSIAN MILITARY RECRUITMENT EXPOSES CITIZENS TO DEADLY RISKS

October 1, 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals to stay away from offers to join the Russian armed forces, warning that recruitment into a foreign military amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war exposes individuals to potentially fatal dangers.

The advisory follows continued reports of Indian citizens being recruited through private intermediaries, including non-public entities and voluntary organisations. The ministry has cautioned Indians travelling to Russia to exercise due diligence when considering overseas employment and avoid offers from unverified agents or agencies not registered with the MEA.

The government has also expressed concern over individuals who knowingly seek to join the Russian military in anticipation of financial benefits, expecting to secure their eventual release through diplomatic intervention by India. The ministry stressed that such decisions carry grave consequences and that citizens should not assume they can return home simply by seeking government assistance.

The advisory further highlighted cases in which some Indian nationals have reportedly considered relinquishing their Indian citizenship to obtain Russian passports and subsequently enlist in the Russian armed forces. The MEA urged individuals to carefully consider the legal and personal implications of such decisions, particularly the risks to their lives.

The warning comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts by New Delhi to secure the release and repatriation of Indian nationals already serving in the Russian military. The government has repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow and maintained contact with affected families.

According to figures disclosed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in September, 227 Indian nationals had been identified as recruited into the Russian armed forces, of whom 139 had been discharged and 51 had died. Discussions with Russian authorities are continuing over the remaining cases.

The latest advisory reiterates India's appeal to citizens to avoid deceptive overseas employment schemes and refrain from joining foreign armed forces, as authorities continue efforts to assist Indians caught up in the conflict