New Delhi. The Government of India has issued an advisory for Indian citizens traveling to Russia and living there. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised its citizens to be cautious about job opportunities abroad and not to fall prey to job offers from any unknown person. Referring to the cases of Indian citizens being recruited in the Russian Army, MEA said that we have also come across many such cases in which people themselves look for offers to join the Russian Army. They do this because they think that they will get money and other benefits from this and later they will be able to contact the Indian government and get out of there. The Ministry of External Affairs warned that this is a dangerous path and the government strongly opposes it.
On behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs, it has been said, we are continuously receiving such reports that Indian citizens are being recruited in the Russian Army. Over the last two years, the government has repeatedly highlighted the dangers and risks associated with this move. There have been several cases in which people have approached Indian authorities to voluntarily give up their Indian citizenship, obtain a Russian passport and then enlist in the Russian armed forces. Some people have even done this out of greed for short-term money without consulting the Indian authorities. In such a situation, we advise people to consider the seriousness of such steps and understand what a deadly situation they are putting themselves in. The government advises Indian citizens to avoid taking such steps.
Government is making efforts for the return of all Indian citizens serving in the Russian Armed Forces.
“It has also come to our attention that foreign nationals are being recruited by non-governmental organizations, including volunteer groups, to serve in the Russian armed forces,” the MEA said. Indian citizens are advised to exercise due caution before accepting job offers from agents who are not registered with the Ministry of External Affairs. The Government of India is in constant touch with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being of all Indian nationals serving with the Russian Armed Forces and to repatriate them at the earliest.