‘Dangerous Path’: Indian MEA Issues Fresh Advisory for Citizens Travelling to Russia
New Delhi, 30th September 2026: The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a fresh advisory cautioning Indian nationals travelling to Russia against accepting offers to join the Russian armed forces. The ministry said it continues to receive reports of Indians being recruited through job offers circulated by unverified individuals and agents.
The advisory comes after repeated warnings over the past two years about the risks associated with such offers. According to the MEA, some individuals have knowingly pursued opportunities to join the Russian military after being promised financial benefits and the possibility of securing release later through the Indian government. The ministry rejected that assumption, describing the decision as a “dangerous path” and saying it is “strongly discouraged” by the government.
The warning follows earlier government disclosures about the scale of the issue. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in September that India had information on 227 nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces. Of these, 139 had been discharged, while 51 had died; India was continuing discussions with Moscow regarding the remaining cases.
Several media outlets, including Hindustan Times, News18, Moneycontrol and The Economic Times, reported the advisory and highlighted the government’s warning against unverified overseas employment offers.
The MEA has urged Indians to conduct proper due diligence before accepting employment abroad and to avoid intermediaries whose credentials cannot be verified. The latest advisory makes clear that promises of money or eventual government assistance do not reduce the risks of military recruitment, particularly amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
