The BRICS TimesFresh warning issued after reports surfaced of two Indians claiming they were tricked into joining Russia’s army under false job offers.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released a strong warning for Indians, advising them not to join the Russian military. The advisory followed fresh reports that several Indians who traveled to Russia were allegedly forced into combat roles in Ukraine.
“We have noticed reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army. The government has repeatedly, over the past year, highlighted the risks and dangers involved in this path and warned Indian citizens accordingly,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on Wednesday.
The reaction came after The Hindu reported about two Indian men who are presently in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. They claimed they were taken to Russia with the promise of construction jobs but were instead pushed into frontline military duty. Speaking over the phone from Selydove, a town seized by Russia in November 2024, the men revealed that at least 13 other Indians face similar conditions.
According to the newspaper, both men had entered Russia within the last six months on student or visitor visas. They alleged that an agent promising them employment in construction sent them to fight in the war instead.
The MEA confirmed that it has raised this issue with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow, pressing them to end such practices and release the affected Indians immediately. “We are also maintaining contact with the families of the citizens involved,” Jaiswal added.
Reiterating its warning, the ministry stressed that Indians should completely avoid any offers connected to the Russian army. “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 troubling revelations have further heightened concerns about the safety of Indians in conflict zones. Officials pointed out that recruitment into foreign militaries through misleading job promises is a grave threat to both life and security.
Akshay Didwaniya
