Avoid the “dangerous path” of traveling to Russia to join the military: MEA
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. File | Photo credit: ANI
The government on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) “strongly discouraged” Indians from traveling to Russia to join the Russian army, warning of the “mortal danger” they would face there.
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In its strictest travel advisory since the Indian embassy in Moscow began detecting a growing number of Indian expatriates being recruited to serve on the Russia-Ukraine war front, the Ministry of External Affairs said it was still seeing reports of Indians enlisting in the army despite several calls and warnings.
“Over the past two years, the government has on several occasions highlighted the risks and dangers associated with this practice and has from time to time advised Indian citizens to be cautious while seeking employment opportunities abroad and not to be lured by any job offers from unverified persons,” the MEA advisory said.
Lures money, seduces recruiters
“We reiterate that this is a dangerous route and the government strongly advises against it,” it said, adding that it continues to work with Russian authorities to ensure the safety and early release of all Indians from the Russian army. Officials said the worrying trend continued as many in India fell for what they thought were “attractive” job offers but were duped by recruitment agents.
During his July 2024 visit to Moscow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Indian recruits who had signed contracts to join the Russian armed forces but wanted to return to India with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who received assurances of help. But officials said that while dozens of recruits had been helped to return with special permission from Moscow, others were joining in the hope of earning money and eventually emigrating.
“Understand the deadly dangers”
In particular, the MEA advisory said that in “numerous cases”, Indian nationals had voluntarily joined the Russian armed forces, believing that once they received adequate monetary benefits, they could approach the Indian government to secure their release. In other cases, some of those leaving India applied for Russian passports to join the army and, after facing difficulties, sought the support of the Indian embassy. In addition, the government warned that in addition to official Russian military agencies, several “non-public entities, including voluntary groups” were also offering recruitment services, leaving Indians with little protection after accepting such unofficial offers.
“We recommend that individuals consider the seriousness of such conduct and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to,” the MEA warned.
In May this year, the government submitted the details to the Supreme Court in response to petitions by family members asking the court to order the government to help trace and repatriate their loved ones. According to the filing, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, at least 217 Indians have enlisted in the Russian army, of whom 49 were killed in the conflict, 6 were confirmed missing and 23 others were untraceable. The Indian Embassy helped repatriate 139 recruits by securing their release from the Russian military.
Published – 30 Sep 2026 21:44 IST