New Delhi: Around 267 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces, of whom 51 have reportedly died and 139 have been discharged, according to a status report submitted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The report, filed on October 12, says the Indian government and the Indian Ambassador in Moscow are following up with Russian authorities to establish the whereabouts of 77 Indian nationals, seven of whom have been confirmed missing by Russian authorities, according to a report by Live Law cited by News18.
Voluntary enlistment for monetary benefits flagged
The government has also flagged instances of Indians willingly seeking military recruitment for monetary benefits, in the belief that they could later secure their release through Indian diplomatic intervention. In a September 30 advisory, the MEA said it had come across numerous instances of individuals willingly seeking offers to join the Russian armed forces, expecting monetary benefits and a later release with the government's help. "This is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the government," the advisory said.
The advisory highlighted cases in which Indian nationals had sought to give up Indian citizenship and obtain Russian passports before joining the Russian armed forces, without consulting Indian authorities and attracted by temporary financial incentives.
Recruitment networks under scrutiny
The MEA also raised concerns about recruitment through non-public entities, including voluntary groups, and advised Indian nationals to exercise due diligence before accepting overseas job offers from agents not registered with the ministry. The report further flagged cases in which Indian nationals had reportedly returned to Russia and rejoined the armed forces after being repatriated, adding to the challenge of tracking them.
The government has repeatedly highlighted the risks of such recruitment over the past two years and urged job seekers to verify employment offers rather than rely on unverified individuals or recruitment channels.
Sources:
- Indians Joining Russian Army For Monetary Benefits, Govt Flags Risks In Latest Report — News18
Voluntary enlistment for monetary benefits flagged
The government has also flagged instances of Indians willingly seeking military recruitment for monetary benefits, in the belief that they could later secure their release through Indian diplomatic intervention. In a September 30 advisory, the MEA said it had come across numerous instances of individuals willingly seeking offers to join the Russian armed forces, expecting monetary benefits and a later release with the government's help. "This is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the government," the advisory said.
The advisory highlighted cases in which Indian nationals had sought to give up Indian citizenship and obtain Russian passports before joining the Russian armed forces, without consulting Indian authorities and attracted by temporary financial incentives.
Recruitment networks under scrutiny
The MEA also raised concerns about recruitment through non-public entities, including voluntary groups, and advised Indian nationals to exercise due diligence before accepting overseas job offers from agents not registered with the ministry. The report further flagged cases in which Indian nationals had reportedly returned to Russia and rejoined the armed forces after being repatriated, adding to the challenge of tracking them.
The government has repeatedly highlighted the risks of such recruitment over the past two years and urged job seekers to verify employment offers rather than rely on unverified individuals or recruitment channels.
Sources:
- Indians Joining Russian Army For Monetary Benefits, Govt Flags Risks In Latest Report — News18
