Dangerous path: MEA cautions Indians against joining Russian armed forces

The MEA has repeatedly cautioned Indian nationals against joining the Russian armed forces, warning them of the dangers involved and urging them not to fall for unverified job offers abroad

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday cautioned Indian nationals against joining the Russian armed forces, warning them about the risks involved and advising them not to be lured by unverified job offers abroad.

 

The advisory came amid continued reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces. The MEA said the government has repeatedly highlighted the risks and dangers associated with such actions over the past two years.

 

“The Government has on several occasions over the past two years underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and advised Indian citizens from time to time to be cautious while pursuing job opportunities abroad and not get lured by any job offers from unverified individuals,” the ministry said.

 

 

The MEA said it has come across several instances where individuals willingly sought offers to join the Russian armed forces, with the understanding that they would receive monetary benefits and later seek release through the Indian government. “It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government,” it said.

 

The ministry also said there have been instances where individuals approached Indian authorities to voluntarily give up their Indian citizenship, obtain a Russian passport and get recruited into the Russian armed forces.

 

The MEA further stated that foreign nationals are being recruited into the Russian armed forces by non-public entities, including voluntary groups. “Some have already done so without consulting Indian authorities, having been lured by temporary monetary benefits. 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,” the MEA said.

 

The ministry added that the Government of India remains engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces.

 

4 Telangana men tricked into Russian military service

 

The advisory came on the same day four men from Telangana claimed they had been duped into joining the Russian army to fight Ukrainian forces in the ongoing war, according to a report by The Times of India.

 

The families of the four men said they were lured into Russian military service after accepting civilian job offers. They approached CM Pravasi Prajavani, a grievance-redressal initiative of the Telangana government that assists Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), seeking help to secure the men’s release and facilitate their return to India.

 

Documents submitted by the families include a recruitment advertisement offering general and mechanical helper jobs in Russia through ‘Pondera Co’ for $477 a month, described in the advertisement as approximately ₹42,000, along with free food. The advertisement promised 10-hour shifts and 28 compulsory working days a month. It said ECR passport holders were eligible and that applicants would not be required to take a Russian language test. It also promised an offer letter within a week and a visa within 30 to 45 days after medical examinations.