
The Indian government on Wednesday, 30 September, again ‘strongly discouraged’ Indian nationals from joining the Russian armed forces, saying the path is dangerous and the practice continues despite repeated warnings. The Ministry of External Affairs said it has come across instances where individuals willingly seek offers to join the Russian military for monetary benefits and later ask the government for help.

The MEA also noted that some Indian nationals have given up their citizenship, obtained a Russian passport and joined the armed forces without consulting Indian authorities. The government advised people to exercise due diligence before accepting job offers from unregistered agents. New Delhi remains engaged with Russian authorities to ensure the safety and early discharge of Indian nationals in the Russian army.
The advisory signals that despite two years of warnings and the release of 139 Indians from the Russian army, the government has not been able to stop fresh recruitment. The MEA statement targets a specific loophole: individuals who voluntarily join, then seek official help to get out. The reference to those surrendering Indian citizenship suggests the problem may be larger than the two dozen still awaiting discharge. The government’s leverage appears limited to diplomatic follow-up with Russia, with no new enforcement measures announced.
Source: edexlive.com
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