India advises nationals against joining Russian army, warns of mortal danger
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NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday advised its nationals against joining the Russian armed forces, warning that such a course was dangerous and fraught with mortal risk.
In an advisory, the government said it continued to see reports about Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces.
The government said it had on several occasions over the past two years underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this and had cautioned citizens pursuing job opportunities abroad not to be lured by offers from unverified individuals.
It said it had come across numerous instances where individuals were willingly seeking offers to join the Russian armed forces in the hope of monetary benefits and later securing release by approaching the Indian government.
“This is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government,” the advisory said.
The advisory also flagged cases where individuals had approached Indian authorities to willingly give up Indian citizenship to obtain a Russian passport and then get recruited into the Russian armed forces, with some already doing so without consulting Indian authorities after being lured by temporary monetary gains.
“Individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to,” it said.
It further said foreign nationals were being recruited to serve in the Russian armed forces by non-public entities including voluntary groups, and advised Indians to exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from agents not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.
The government said it remained continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces.
