In a serious new development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a stern advisory to all Indian nationals, cautioning them against joining the Russian army. This warning comes after a growing number of reports that Indians who traveled to Russia for work have been deceptively recruited and sent to fight in the conflict in Ukraine.
The issue came to light following a report by The Hindu newspaper, which detailed the story of two Indian men currently in the war-torn Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The men claimed they were lured to Russia with the promise of high-paying construction jobs but were instead forced into military service and deployed to the frontlines. Speaking from Selydove, a town recently captured by Russia, the men stated that at least 13 other Indians were in a similar, dangerous situation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the government’s concern in a statement, saying, “We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. Government has on several occasions over the past one year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly.”
According to the newspaper report, the two men had traveled to Russia on student or visitor visas within the last six months. They alleged that a local agent, who had promised them employment in the construction sector, misled them and sent them directly to the battlefield.
In response to these alarming reports, the MEA has taken immediate action. Jaiswal stated that the matter has been raised directly with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow. India is demanding that these deceptive practices be stopped and that all affected Indian nationals be released immediately. “We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens,” he added, providing reassurance that the government is actively working on a resolution.
Reiterating its warning, the MEA urged Indians to exercise extreme caution and to stay away from any offers to join the Russian military, emphasizing that such a path is “fraught with danger” and poses a serious risk to their lives and security.