NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a fresh caution to Indian nationals against joining the Russian Armed Forces, warning that individuals lured by temporary monetary benefits could be exposing themselves to grave and potentially fatal risks. The advisory comes amid continued reports of Indians being recruited into the Russian military through unverified job offers and non-public entities.
MEA flags continued recruitment of Indian Nationals
The MEA said it continues to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian Armed Forces and reiterated that the Government of India has repeatedly warned citizens about the dangers involved. Over the past two years, the government has advised Indian citizens to exercise caution while pursuing employment opportunities abroad and not to be lured by job offers made by unverified individuals or agents, for attractive monetary benifits.
The Ministry stressed that joining the Russian Armed Forces is not a conventional overseas employment opportunity and strongly discouraged Indian nationals from pursuing such offers. The advisory comes against the backdrop of instances in which Indians have reportedly travelled to Russia after being promised monetary benefits, only to subsequently seek assistance from the Indian government for their release.
Advisory for Indians travelling to Russia.https://t.co/2KkeRXU8K1@MEAIndia @vkumar1969 pic.twitter.com/dXgVc21SAM
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) September 30, 2026
Indians lured by monetary benefits
According to the MEA, authorities have encountered numerous cases where individuals have willingly sought opportunities to join the Russian Armed Forces with the expectation of receiving financial benefits. Some individuals, the Ministry said, appear to have proceeded with the understanding that they could later approach the Indian government and secure their release.
The MEA categorically rejected this approach, reiterating that joining the Russian Armed Forces in such circumstances is a dangerous course of action. The Ministry warned that individuals must understand the seriousness of their decision before accepting such offers, particularly given the risks associated with military service in an active conflict environment.
“It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government”, the MEA said.
Some give up Indian citizenship for Russian recruitment
The advisory also highlighted another concerning trend involving Indian nationals who have approached authorities seeking to voluntarily surrender their Indian citizenship before obtaining Russian passports and subsequently joining the Russian Armed Forces.
The MEA said that there have been numerous instances of individuals taking steps in this direction. Some, it noted, have already done so without consulting Indian authorities after being attracted by temporary financial incentives.
The government cautioned individuals against taking such decisions without fully understanding their consequences. The Ministry urged Indian nationals to consider the gravity of their actions and the potentially fatal dangers to which they could be exposing themselves. “The Government advises Indian nationals to refrain from taking such actions”, the MEA stated.
Non-public entities recruiting foreign nationals
The MEA further revealed that foreign nationals are being recruited into the Russian Armed Forces by non-public entities, including voluntary groups. This has added another layer of concern for Indian citizens seeking employment opportunities overseas, particularly those who may encounter recruitment offers outside established and verifiable channels.
The Ministry therefore advised Indians to conduct proper due diligence before accepting any overseas employment offer, particularly those involving military or security-related work. Indian nationals have specifically been advised to verify whether agents offering such opportunities are registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Government engaged with Russia for early release of Indians
While warning Indians against joining the Russian Armed Forces, the Government of India said that it remains engaged with the Russian side concerning Indian nationals already serving in the Russian military. The MEA said that the government is continuously working with Russia to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals and facilitate their early discharge.
The government’s latest advisory therefore combines a warning to prospective recruits with continued diplomatic efforts concerning Indians who are already serving in the Russian armed forces.
