The Indian government has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution regarding job offers in Russia, amid continued reports of Indian citizens being recruited into the Russian armed forces.
The government said it has repeatedly highlighted over the past two years the risks and dangers associated with joining the Russian armed forces, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release.
Indian citizens have been advised to exercise caution while pursuing employment opportunities abroad and not to be lured by job offers from unverified individuals.
India has also come across several instances where individuals voluntarily sought offers to join the Russian armed forces, believing that they would receive financial benefits and later secure their release with the help of the Indian Government.
The government reiterated that this is a dangerous course of action and strongly discouraged Indian nationals from taking such a step.
There have also been instances where individuals approached Indian authorities seeking to give up their Indian citizenship, obtain Russian passports and subsequently join the Russian armed forces.
Some individuals have already taken such steps without consulting Indian authorities, reportedly after being lured by temporary financial benefits.
The Indian government advised Indian nationals to understand the gravity of such decisions and the mortal dangers they could expose themselves to. Citizens have been urged to refrain from taking any such action.
The government has also received reports that foreign nationals are being recruited into the Russian armed forces through non-public entities, including voluntary groups.
Indian nationals have therefore been advised to exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from agents or entities that are not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Indian government said it remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety and well-being of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces and to facilitate their early discharge.
