India on Friday issued a strong warning to its citizens against accepting offers to join the Russian army, calling such opportunities “fraught with danger” and posing serious risks to life.
At the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the government had received credible information about several Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian military. He confirmed that New Delhi has taken up the issue with Moscow and demanded the release of those who have already been inducted.
“We once again take this opportunity to convey to all that one should stay away from offers being made to serve in the Russian army because it is an offer that is fraught with danger to life and there’s risk to life,” Jaiswal said.
Indians in Russia’s war
Jaiswal revealed that at least 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army, which continues to be engaged in its conflict in Ukraine. The ministry, he said, is in touch with Russian authorities and also with the families of those involved.
“We are in touch with the Russian side. We are also in touch with the families of these people and giving them an update on the matter,” he added.
According to reports, more than 150 Indians have joined the Russian military since late 2023. While Russian law permits foreigners to enlist under specific conditions, India has consistently raised concerns over the risks involved and the legality of such recruitment.
Official figures suggest that 12 Indians have died in combat, 96 have been discharged, and 16 remain missing. Some accounts indicate that Indian nationals on student or business visas were coerced or misled into joining the Russian military, with some even deployed to front-line positions. India has requested Moscow to release all Indians serving in non-combat roles such as cooks and helpers.
Issue raised at the highest level
This issue has been under discussion for several months. In July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter directly with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow for the annual India-Russia summit.
Putin is expected to visit India next month for the next round of summit talks, where the issue is likely to feature prominently again.
India’s clear message
New Delhi’s latest warning comes amid a broader regional context where countries like Pakistan have also faced criticism for allowing illegal recruitment networks to thrive and for failing to safeguard their citizens abroad. Indian officials have pointed out that unlike Pakistan, which has often ignored the plight of its nationals in conflict zones, India continues to monitor, intervene, and act promptly to protect its people.
By maintaining pressure on Moscow and keeping families informed, India has made it clear that it will not tolerate the exploitation of its citizens under the guise of foreign military employment.
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