New Delhi: The government has come across numerous instances of Indians ” willingly seeking out efforts” to join the Russian armed forces for monetary benefits, only to later approach New Delhi for their release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday, warning that such a course was ” dangerous ” and could cost them their lives.
In a fresh advisory for Indians traveling to Russia, the MEA said some people were joining the Russian armed forces with the understanding that they could earn money and later secure their release through the intervention of the Indian Government.
” It is reiterated that this a dangerous pathand is strongly discouraged by the government ” , the MEA said.
The government also disclosed that there had been several instances of Indians approaching authorities with a request to give up their citizenship, obtain a Russian passport and then join the Russian armed forces. Some had already done so without consulting Indian authorities, having been attracted by temporary monetary benefits, it said.
The MEA urged such individuals to consider the seriousness of their decisions and understand the ” mortal dangers” to which they were exposing themselves.
MEA warns Indians against joining Russian forces for money
The warning comes amid continuing reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian forces. New Delhi has repeatedly cautioned Indians over the past two years against being lured by unverified job offers abroad.
So Indians were advised to exercise due diligence in accepting job offers from Russia through agents who were not registered with the MEA.
India cautions against unverified job offers in Russia
Meanwhile, today, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged the Moscow to release 27 more Indians recruited by Russian Military.