The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly advised Indian citizens not to join the Russian army, calling it “a course fraught with danger.” The warning comes after reports that several Indians who went to Moscow were allegedly forced into combat roles in Ukraine.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. Government has on several occasions over the past year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly.”

He added that New Delhi has approached Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow, requesting that the recruitment of Indians into combat roles be stopped and that affected citizens be released. “We have also taken up the matter with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow, asking that this practice be ended and that our nationals be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens,” Jaiswal said.

“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,” he emphasised.

This is not the first time Indians have been drawn into the Russian military. On July 24, 2025, the MEA had informed the Rajya Sabha that 127 Indian nationals were serving in Russian armed forces. After high-level talks between India and Russia, 98 of them were released, but 13 were still part of the Russian forces, with Russia reporting 12 of them missing.

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