MEA warns Indians against joining Russian armed forces

Despite government warnings and efforts to release dozens of Indian recruits from contracts, Indians continue to travel to Russia and join the conflict, lured by job offers, hopes of migration, and misled by recruiters

The ministry of external affairs has issued a warning about the risks of joining the Russian armed forces. It stated that many Indians are being recruited under false promises of financial benefits. The advisory emphasized that this path could expose individuals to significant dangers. Continuous engagement with Russia is ongoing to ensure the safety of affected Indian nationals. Citizens are urged to verify job offers and avoid unregistered agents.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Russia, warning them against being recruited into the Russian armed forces.The advisory comes amid continued reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces. The government said it has, on several occasions over the past two years, highlighted the risks and dangers involved in such a course of action.The MEA has also advised Indian citizens to exercise caution while pursuing job opportunities abroad and not be lured by employment offers made by unverified individuals.MEA releases advisory for Indians traveling to Russia.We are continuing to see reports about Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces. Government has on several occasions over the past two years underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action… pic.twitter.com/oUhKktoE2K— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2026 FlyDubai Flight To Tel Aviv Sends Hijack Code Mid-Air, Makes Emergency Turn Over Saudi ArabiaAccording to the ministry, it has come across several instances in which individuals have willingly sought offers to join the Russian armed forces, reportedly with an understanding that they would receive monetary benefits and could later secure their release by approaching the Indian government.The government has reiterated that joining the Russian armed forces in such circumstances is a dangerous course of action and is strongly discouraged.The MEA's advisory further urges Indians looking for employment opportunities abroad to remain cautious and verify job offers before accepting them, particularly when such offers could involve joining a foreign military.