Government Issues Strong Warning Against Joining Russian Army: ‘Dangerous and Life-Threatening’
By Tapaswini Sahoo
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Amid continued reports of Indian citizens being recruited into the Russian Armed Forces, the Government of India has once again issued a strong warning. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a fresh advisory cautioning Indian citizens against joining the Russian military, describing it as a “dangerous and life-threatening path.”
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on September 30, the government has, on several occasions over the past two years, highlighted the serious risks and dangers involved in such actions. The government has also repeatedly advised Indian citizens to exercise extreme caution while seeking employment opportunities abroad and not to fall for job offers made by unverified agents or non-governmental entities.
The Ministry said, “We have also come across numerous instances wherein individuals are willingly seeking out offers to join the Russian armed forces with an understanding that they would be able to avail concomitant monetary benefits, and later secure release by approaching the Indian Government. It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government.”
The statement further said, “There have also been numerous instances wherein individuals have approached Indian authorities to willingly give up their Indian citizenship, avail a Russian passport and then get recruited in Russian armed forces. Some have already done so without consulting Indian authorities, having been lured by temporary monetary benefits. It is advised that individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to. The Government advises Indian nationals to refrain from taking such actions.”
The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the Government of India remains in continuous contact with the Russian side to ensure the safety and well-being of all Indian citizens currently serving in the Russian Armed Forces and to facilitate their earliest possible return to India.
