New Delhi, September 30: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday issued an advisory for Indians travelling to Russia, urging them to be cautious while pursuing job opportunities abroad.
The Ministry said it continues to receive reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces. It noted that the Government has repeatedly highlighted the risks involved over the past two years and warned citizens not to be lured by job offers from unverified individuals.
The MEA said that some people are willingly seeking offers to join the Russian military, expecting monetary benefits and believing they can later secure release by approaching the Indian Government. It called this “a dangerous path” and said the Government strongly discourages it.
𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚
The External Affairs Ministry (@MEAIndia) issues an advisory for Indians travelling to Russia, urging caution while pursuing job opportunities abroad; says willingly seeking out offers to join Russian… pic.twitter.com/RXXNZYYGBR
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 30, 2026
The advisory also flagged cases where individuals approached Indian authorities to give up their Indian citizenship, obtain a Russian passport and then join the Russian armed forces. Some had reportedly done so without consulting Indian authorities, drawn by short-term financial gains. The Government advised Indian nationals to refrain from such actions and to consider the gravity of the risks to their lives.
The Ministry further cautioned that foreign nationals are being recruited by non-public entities, including voluntary groups. Indians were advised to exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from agents not registered with the MEA.
The Government added that it remains in continuous contact with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces.