'Fraught With Danger': India Warns Against Joining Russian Army

On September 11, 2025, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a stern advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid offers to join the Russian Army amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The warning comes in response to reports of Indian citizens being deceived into combat roles in Ukraine after being lured to Russia with false promises of civilian jobs. The ministry has actively engaged with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow to secure the release of affected nationals and end this dangerous recruitment practice.

MEA’s Response to Recruitment Reports

The MEA, through its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, expressed deep concern over recent reports of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian military. "We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly," Jaiswal stated during a press briefing. The ministry has consistently highlighted the life-threatening risks associated with such recruitment, describing it as "fraught with danger."

The Indian government has taken proactive steps to address the issue, engaging with Russian authorities in both Delhi and Moscow to demand an end to the recruitment of Indian citizens and the immediate release of those currently involved. The MEA is also in communication with the families of affected individuals, offering support and updates on efforts to secure their release.

Deceptive Recruitment Practices

Reports indicate that several Indian nationals, including two men currently in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, were misled into joining the Russian Army. These individuals, who traveled to Russia within the last six months on student or visitor visas, were promised lucrative jobs in the construction sector. Instead, they were deployed to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war, a situation that has raised alarm bells in India about human trafficking and deceptive recruitment practices.

The two men in Donetsk claimed they were approached by agents who offered high-paying jobs, only to find themselves in a war zone. This is not an isolated incident. Earlier reports from 2024 revealed similar cases, with Indian citizens being lured by promises of employment as cooks, helpers, or security personnel, only to be coerced into combat roles. The MEA’s advisory underscores the need for vigilance among Indian nationals seeking overseas employment opportunities.

Government’s Efforts to Secure Release

The Indian government has been working tirelessly to secure the release of its citizens caught in the conflict. In July 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that 127 Indian nationals had been serving in the Russian armed forces. Through sustained diplomatic efforts, including high-level discussions between Indian and Russian governments, the services of 98 individuals were discontinued. However, 13 remain in the Russian forces, with 12 reported missing by Russian authorities.

The MEA has urged Russian authorities to provide updates on the missing individuals and ensure their safety and well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during meetings in 2024, highlighting India’s commitment to bringing its citizens home safely. The ministry has also initiated strong action against agents involved in these deceptive practices, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busting a human trafficking network in March 2024 that targeted vulnerable Indian youth with false job promises.

Human Trafficking Concerns

The recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian Army has raised significant concerns about human trafficking. The CBI’s investigation revealed that organized networks, operating through social media platforms like YouTube and local agents, lured young Indians with promises of high salaries and Russian citizenship. In reality, these individuals were trained for combat roles and deployed to the Russia-Ukraine war zone against their will, putting their lives at grave risk.

In March 2024, the CBI conducted raids across multiple cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, uncovering incriminating evidence such as cash, electronic devices, and documents. The agency identified at least 35 instances of victims being sent abroad, with some reports suggesting that a single agency in Delhi sent around 180 people to Russia, primarily on student visas. These findings highlight the scale of the trafficking network and the urgent need for stricter regulations to protect Indian citizens seeking overseas employment.

Broader Context and Challenges

The issue of Indian nationals being recruited into foreign conflicts is not new. Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, reports have surfaced of Indian citizens being misled into joining the Russian military. In August 2024, the Russian Embassy announced it had stopped recruiting Indians into its army and was working with Indian authorities to discharge those already enlisted. However, the continued presence of Indian nationals in conflict zones indicates ongoing challenges in curbing these practices.

Economic factors, such as unemployment and the promise of high-paying jobs abroad, have driven many young Indians to accept risky overseas assignments. In some cases, individuals knowingly take up dangerous roles due to financial desperation, while others are deceived by unscrupulous agents. The MEA’s repeated warnings aim to raise awareness about these risks and encourage citizens to verify job offers through official channels before traveling abroad.

International Implications

The recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian Army has strained India’s diplomatic relations with Russia, a key partner. Despite India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the government has consistently prioritized the safety of its citizens. The issue has also drawn attention to the broader problem of foreign nationals being recruited as mercenaries in ongoing conflicts, with reports indicating involvement from countries across the Middle East and Asia.

The international community has taken note of India’s efforts to secure the release of its citizens, with advocacy groups calling for stronger global regulations to prevent human trafficking and forced recruitment in conflict zones. The MEA’s proactive stance reflects India’s commitment to protecting its diaspora and addressing the complexities of modern warfare, where civilians are increasingly drawn into combat roles under false pretenses.