India on Thursday issued an advisory cautioning its citizens against joining the Russian Army, following reports that several Indians who had travelled to Moscow were being pushed into combat roles in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army. The Government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in such actions and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The Ministry confirmed that the matter has been raised with Russian authorities both in New Delhi and Moscow, stressing that this practice must be stopped and that the affected Indian nationals be released.
“We are also in touch with the families of the affected citizens,” the MEA added.
Reiterating its warning, the Ministry urged Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution and avoid such offers altogether.
“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 ministry said.
