India Warns Citizens Against Joining Russian Military Amid Ukraine Conflict

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong warning to its citizens, urging them not to enlist in the Russian military amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Officials emphasized that such recruitment is fraught with danger, as numerous Indian nationals have reportedly been deceived and forced into combat roles under false pretenses. The advisory comes in the wake of disturbing reports that highlight the severe risks involved for Indian citizens traveling abroad with the expectation of legitimate employment.

MEA spokesperson Randhir JaiswalImage Source : ANI | India TV News

Reports of Coercion and Deception

Several Indian men, particularly from states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu, traveled to Russia on student or visitor visas, only to find themselves coerced into military service. Many were lured by agents promising jobs in construction or other civilian sectors. Upon arrival, these individuals were allegedly given military uniforms, minimal training, and sent to conflict zones in Ukraine, including forests near Donetsk, with orders to participate in combat. Videos circulating online have shown some of these men pleading for rescue, highlighting the physical and psychological dangers they faced. Some accounts suggest that at least 13 Indian nationals are currently trapped in similar circumstances, struggling for safety.

Diplomatic Efforts and Government Response

The MEA has engaged in active diplomacy with Russian authorities in both New Delhi and Moscow to address the issue. The ministry has repeatedly called for an end to the coercion of Indian nationals and has sought the safe release of those affected. Families of the trapped individuals are being supported and kept informed about ongoing efforts to secure their return. These efforts have yielded partial results; as of September 2025, 98 Indian nationals who had joined the Russian military have been discharged, though 13 remain, with 12 reported missing. The government continues to work closely with Russian authorities to locate and safely repatriate the missing individuals.

Political and Public Reactions

The situation has triggered widespread public concern and political criticism in India. Congress leader Pargat Singh condemned both central and state governments for failing to prevent human trafficking and exploitation of Indian youth. He highlighted an incident in July 2025 where 15 Punjabi youths were misled into joining the Russian military, resulting in five deaths, three missing individuals, and seven forced conscriptions. Singh has called for strict accountability for the agents responsible and compensation for the affected families, emphasizing the need for stronger preventive measures and diplomatic pressure on Russian authorities.

Lessons and Government Advisory

In light of these developments, the Indian government continues to caution citizens about the risks of accepting foreign employment offers without thorough verification. The MEA stresses that deceptive recruitment can lead to dangerous situations, including involvement in active conflict zones. Indian nationals are advised to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious offers of employment abroad to the relevant authorities. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens and is taking proactive measures to prevent further incidents.

The MGMM Outlook

The recent advisory from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlights a troubling situation where Indian citizens are being misled into joining the Russian military amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Young men from states like Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu were reportedly lured by promises of civilian jobs abroad, only to face coercion into active combat with minimal training. Reports indicate that some have been trapped in conflict zones, with videos showing desperate pleas for help, while others remain missing. This situation not only exposes the vulnerability of Indian youth to deceptive recruitment practices but also raises serious concerns about human trafficking and exploitation under the guise of employment opportunities.

The Indian government has responded through diplomatic engagement with Russian authorities and efforts to secure the safe return of affected nationals, with partial success so far. Public and political reactions underscore the urgency of the issue, calling for stricter accountability for recruitment agents and preventive measures to protect citizens from similar risks in the future. In this context, it becomes clear that while foreign employment opportunities may seem attractive, due diligence is crucial. The MEA’s warning serves as a reminder that citizens must remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes that could put their safety and lives in jeopardy.

(Sources: India TV News, India Today, Mint)