India Warns Citizens Against Joining Russian Army After Reports of Forced Recruitment

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday issued a strong advisory cautioning Indian nationals against joining the Russian military, following reports that several Indians who traveled to Moscow were coerced into combat roles in Ukraine.

“We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement. “Government has on several occasions over the past year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly.”

The advisory came after The Hindu reported that two Indian men currently in the Donetsk region said they had been lured to Russia with promises of construction jobs but were instead deployed to the frontline. Speaking by phone from Selydove, a town captured by Russia in November 2024, they claimed at least 13 other Indians were facing similar conditions.

The men said they had entered Russia within the last six months on student or visitor visas, only to be redirected by agents into military service.

The MEA said it has raised the issue with Russian authorities in both New Delhi and Moscow, calling for the immediate release of Indian nationals. “We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens,” Jaiswal added.

Reiterating its warning, the ministry urged Indians to avoid any offers to join the Russian military. “We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from any offers to join the Russian army, as this is a course fraught with danger,” the spokesperson said.

The latest reports add to concerns over the safety of Indians in conflict zones, with officials stressing that deceptive recruitment into foreign armies poses grave risks to life and security.