India Warns Citizens Against Joining Russian Forces
It continued to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces: The ministry
NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday warned its nationals against joining the Russian armed forces for monetary benefits in the expectation that the Indian government would subsequently secure their release.
In an advisory, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) also cautioned against giving up Indian citizenship and obtaining Russian passports to enlist, saying such actions exposed individuals to mortal danger.
The ministry said it continued to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces despite repeated warnings over the past two years.
It urged citizens to exercise caution when pursuing jobs abroad and avoid offers from unverified individuals.
“We have also 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.
The MEA said some individuals had approached Indian authorities seeking to relinquish their citizenship, obtain Russian passports and join the Russian armed forces. Others had already done so without consulting Indian authorities, lured by temporary monetary benefits, it said.
“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,” it said.
The ministry also warned that non-public entities, including voluntary groups, were recruiting foreign nationals for the Russian armed forces. Indian nationals should exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from agents not registered with the MEA, it said.
The government remained engaged with Russia to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals serving in its armed forces, the advisory added.
Earlier this month, India said about two dozen Indian nationals were still serving with the Russian Army and expressed hope that they would be released soon.
Russia recently said it was preparing a list of Indian nationals on the battlefield so that they could be sent home once the list was finalised.
A few weeks ago, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said 51 Indians recruited into the Russian Army had died in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Of the 227 Indians recruited so far, 139 had been discharged and 51 had “perished”, he said.