Don’t Trade Citizenship for Russian Army Pay, MEA Warns Indians

The Ministry of External Affairs has warned Indians against giving up their citizenship to obtain Russian passports and join Russia’s armed forces for monetary benefits, saying such decisions expose them to mortal danger.

In an advisory shared by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the ministry also cautioned against joining the military on the assumption that Indian authorities could subsequently arrange an early discharge.

The warning follows repeated government advisories over the past two years urging Indians to scrutinise overseas employment offers and avoid unverified recruiters.

A Paycheque, Then a Plea for Release

The MEA said it continued to receive reports of Indians being recruited into Russia’s armed forces, including people who were actively seeking military contracts for financial gain.

“We have also come across numerous instances wherein individuals are willingly seeking out offers to join the Russian armed forces with an understanding that they would be able to avail concomitant monetary benefits, and later secure release by approaching the Indian Government,” the advisory said.

“It is reiterated that this is a dangerous path and is strongly discouraged by the Government,” it added.

The ministry’s warning challenges the assumption that diplomatic intervention can provide a dependable exit after voluntary enlistment.

Citizenship Decisions Raise Alarm

The ministry separately flagged cases involving Indians seeking to surrender their citizenship, acquire Russian passports and enlist.

Some individuals had approached Indian authorities about renouncing their nationality, while others had already obtained Russian passports without consulting them, the advisory said.

“It is advised that individuals should consider the gravity of such actions and understand the mortal dangers they are exposing themselves to. The Government advises Indian nationals to refrain from taking such actions,” the MEA said.

The ministry described temporary financial incentives as a factor drawing people towards these decisions.

Scrutinise the Recruiter

The advisory also warned that recruitment was taking place through non-public entities, including voluntary groups.

Indian nationals should exercise due diligence before accepting offers from agents not registered with the MEA, it said. The ministry reiterated its earlier advice against being lured by employment promises from unverified individuals.

The government said it remained in contact with Moscow over Indians already serving in Russia’s armed forces.

It “remains continuously engaged with the Russian side to ensure the safety, well-being and early discharge of all Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces”, the advisory stated.

With inputs from ANI.