New Delhi, 30 September (H.S.):

The Ministry of External Affairs has once again cautioned Indian citizens against joining the Russian armed forces, either voluntarily or after being lured by purported employment opportunities, warning them of the serious risks involved.

In a fresh advisory issued on Wednesday, the ministry cited different cases that have emerged recently and urged Indian citizens not to put their lives at risk in pursuit of financial or other inducements.

The ministry reiterated that the Government of India remains in continuous contact with the Russian side to ensure the safety, welfare and early release of all Indian nationals currently serving in the Russian armed forces.

“We continue to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian Armed Forces,” the ministry said, noting that over the past two years, the government has repeatedly highlighted the risks and dangers associated with such engagements.

It has also regularly advised Indian citizens to exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities abroad and to avoid falling for job offers made by unknown individuals or intermediaries.

The ministry said several cases had come to light in which individuals voluntarily accepted offers to join the Russian armed forces, believing that doing so would provide them with financial benefits and that they could subsequently approach the Indian government to secure their release.

The government reiterated that such a course of action is dangerous and strongly discouraged.

The advisory also referred to cases in which individuals contacted Indian authorities, voluntarily relinquished their Indian citizenship, obtained Russian passports and subsequently joined the Russian armed forces.

According to the ministry, some individuals took such decisions without consulting Indian authorities, driven by the prospect of short-term financial gains.

The government urged individuals to carefully consider the seriousness of such decisions and understand the potentially life-threatening dangers they could face. It advised Indian citizens to refrain from becoming involved in such activities.

The ministry further said it had received information indicating that foreign nationals were also being recruited into the Russian armed forces by non-governmental entities, including volunteer groups.

Indian citizens have consequently been advised to exercise extreme caution before accepting employment offers from agents or intermediaries who are not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.

The latest advisory reiterates the government's continuing warning against deceptive overseas employment offers and involvement with the Russian armed forces, while emphasising the potentially grave personal risks associated with such decisions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar