Archive · 1 Oct 2026
India Warns Citizens Against Russian Military Recruitment Risks
India has warned its citizens not to join the Russian military.
Some people were promised ordinary jobs, while others joined because they wanted temporary financial benefits.
Some recruits reportedly believed India could later help them leave.
The government said this is a dangerous plan.
People may be sent into fighting and recruiters may keep their documents.
The ministry also warned people not to give up Indian citizenship or obtain Russian passports to enlist.
It told job seekers to check whether overseas agents are registered with the ministry.
India says it is asking Russia to help release Indian nationals serving with its military.
By the end of August, officials had information about 227 recruited Indians, including 139 discharged and 51 who had died.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a fresh advisory discouraging nationals from joining the Russian armed forces.
The ministry said recruits may be lured by non-combatant job offers, social-media advertisements or temporary financial benefits.
It warned that some recruits are placed in active fighting, have documents retained and face mortal dangers.
The advisory cautioned Indians against surrendering citizenship or obtaining Russian passports to enlist, and urged checks on overseas job agents.
As of August-end, India had information on 227 recruited nationals, including 139 discharged and 51 who had died.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indian nationals recruited or considering recruitment, private or unregistered recruiters, and Russian authorities.
- What
- India issued an advisory warning nationals against joining the Russian armed forces and against surrendering citizenship or accepting unverified overseas job offers.
- When
- The fresh advisory was issued on Wednesday; the recruitment figures were reported as of August-end, after repeated warnings over the previous two and a half years.
- Where
- The recruitment involves Indians travelling to or working in Russia and serving with Russian military units; the figures were disclosed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Why
- The ministry cited deceptive job offers, temporary financial incentives, active fighting, retained documents, deaths and the dangers of relying on India to secure later release.
- Issuing authority
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs
- Official count
- 227 Indian nationals had been recruited into the Russian army as of August-end
- Discharged
- 139 recruited Indian nationals had been discharged
- Deaths
- Officials had information that 51 recruited Indians had died
- Recruitment methods
- Reports cited non-combatant job offers, social-media advertisements, private agents and unregistered voluntary groups
- Additional warning
- The ministry cautioned against surrendering Indian citizenship or obtaining a Russian passport to enlist
- Diplomatic effort
- India said it remains engaged with Russia to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of Indian nationals
