India Warns Citizens Against Joining Russian Army Amid Reports Of Forced Recruitment

News In Short:

India has warned its citizens against joining the Russian Army after reports emerged that Indians were misled with job offers and pushed into combat in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it has raised the issue with Russia, sought the release of trapped nationals, and urged Indians to avoid such dangerous offers.

News In Detail: Russia

New Delhi: India has issued a strong advisory cautioning its nationals against joining the Russian Army, following reports that several Indians who traveled to Moscow were being pushed into combat roles in the ongoing Ukraine war.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it had received credible information about Indian citizens being recruited into the Russian military. The Ministry emphasized that the government had repeatedly warned its citizens in the past year about the serious risks involved in such actions.

“We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. The Government has on several occasions underlined the dangers in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly,” the MEA said.

India Raises Concern with Russia

The Ministry confirmed that the matter has been formally raised with Russian authorities both in New Delhi and Moscow. India has urged Russia to immediately stop the practice of recruiting Indian nationals and to ensure the safe release of those already affected.

“We have asked for this practice to end and for our nationals to be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected citizens,” the statement added.

Reports of Indians Trapped in War Zone

The advisory comes after a report in a leading Indian newspaper highlighted the ordeal of two Indian men currently in Donetsk, a region in eastern Ukraine under Russian control.

Speaking over the phone from Selydove, a town captured by Russia in November 2024, the men alleged they were tricked into joining the war. According to their claims, they had travelled to Russia within the last six months on student or visitor visas. An agent, they said, had promised them jobs in the construction sector. Instead, they were sent to the frontline as part of the Russian military effort.

The two further alleged that at least 13 more Indians were facing similar conditions, trapped in combat zones against their will.

MEA Urges Extreme Caution

Reiterating its warning, the MEA once again appealed to Indian citizens to avoid falling prey to such misleading offers. The Ministry made it clear that any attempt to join foreign armed forces under false promises is not only dangerous but also places individuals in life-threatening circumstances.

“We strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian Army. This path is fraught with danger and must be avoided at all costs,” the advisory stated.

A Pattern of Luring Migrants

This is not the first time reports have surfaced about Indians being lured abroad under the pretext of jobs or education and later forced into conflict zones. Migration experts have warned that fraudulent recruitment agents often target young men from smaller towns and rural areas with the promise of better income, only to exploit them once they arrive overseas.

The MEA has repeatedly advised Indian citizens to verify job offers thoroughly before traveling abroad, especially when such offers involve countries currently engaged in armed conflicts.

Final Appeal

The government has assured that it is making efforts to secure the release of those already trapped in the conflict. Families of the affected individuals have also been contacted by Indian authorities.

The advisory concluded with a clear message: Indian nationals must avoid taking up any opportunities that could lead them into foreign military service, particularly in active war zones.

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