New Delhi, Sept. 11 — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday issued a fresh advisory warning Indian citizens against joining the Russian military, after reports emerged that at least nine Indian nationals had been recruited to fight in the Ukraine war.
“We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “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 noted that India has repeatedly raised the matter with Russian officials in both Delhi and Moscow. “We have demanded an end to this practice and the release of our nationals. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens,” he said.
Families of the trapped men have shared disturbing video messages showing the youths — many from Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu — dressed in Russian military uniforms and appealing for urgent help.
“We have been caught in the Russian Army. We are nine boys. We came here on student visas. We are being grossly mistreated. We’re not getting food, and we’re being sent to the frontline daily,” said Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana in a Punjabi video message.
Another youth, Sumeet Sharma from Jammu, alleged that agents tricked them. “We have been deceived. We request the BJP government to help us as soon as possible,” he said.
Buta Singh, another stranded Indian, warned that some among them had already lost their lives. “We were promised work in Moscow. Instead, we are trapped in this war. The situation is dire, get us out immediately,” he pleaded.
This is not the first time Indian citizens have been caught in Russia’s war efforts. Over the past year, India has issued multiple advisories cautioning against such recruitment, calling it a path “fraught with danger.”
The MEA reiterated that families must remain in close contact with authorities and avoid falling prey to fraudulent job offers or agents.
