The Ministry of External Affairs has warned Indian nationals against joining the Russian armed forces, calling it a “dangerous path” and strongly discouraging citizens from taking up such offers.

In an advisory issued on September 30, the MEA said that recruitment into the Russian army has often taken place through unverified agents and non-public entities, placing Indian nationals at serious risk.

The advisory noted that some Indian nationals have been willingly seeking out such offers and, in some cases, even given up Indian citizenship to obtain Russian passports, according to reports.

The warning follows a series of cases in which Indian nationals were recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In July, the MEA said 139 Indians recruited into the Russian military had been released and brought back, while efforts were continuing to secure the release of the remaining ones.

The MEA has repeatedly urged Indian nationals to stay away from offers that promise jobs or military service in conflict zones, and has asked families to report any recruitment agents making such offers to the authorities.