Avoid ‘dangerous path’ of travelling to Russia to join army: MEA
Despite government warnings and efforts to release dozens of Indian recruits from contracts, Indians continue to travel to Russia and join the conflict, lured by job offers, hopes of migration, and misled by recruiters
On September 30, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a stern warning to Indians against embarking on a perilous journey to Russia to join the Russian Army. The government's advisory, the toughest travel advisory since the Indian Embassy in Moscow began noticing an increase in Indian nationals being recruited to serve at the Russia-Ukraine warfront, emphasizes the "mortal dangers" that would be faced by those who choose this path.
Despite repeated appeals and warnings, government officials continue to see reports of Indians signing up to join the Russian Army, despite the risks involved. The MEA reiterated that this is a "dangerous path" and strongly discouraged Indians from pursuing job opportunities abroad without verifying the legitimacy of the recruiters.
During his visit to Moscow in July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking assistance for Indians who had signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces but wished to return to India. However, even as efforts were made to help these recruits return to India, more were joining the Russian military, hoping to earn money and potentially emigrate.
The MEA warned that there are numerous instances where Indian nationals have willingly joined the Russian armed forces, believing that once they receive monetary benefits, they could secure their release through the Indian government. In some cases, individuals have applied for Russian passports to join the army, only to face hardships and request support from the Indian Embassy.
Apart from the Russian military's official agencies, several unofficial entities, including voluntary groups, are also offering recruitment services, leaving Indians with minimal protection. According to the government's submission to the Supreme Court in May this year, at least 217 Indians had enlisted in the Russian army since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with 49 killed, 6 confirmed missing, and 23 untraceable.
The Indian Embassy has helped repatriate 139 recruits by facilitating their release from the Russian Army.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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