'Fraught with danger': MEA on Indians recruited into Russian army; asks nationals to stay away from 'offers'

NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that it has taken up the recruitment of Indian nationals in Russian Army and asked Moscow to end this practice amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.

Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that it has underlined the "risks and dangers" in joining the Russian army and cautioned the Indian citizens accordingly.

"We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian army. Government has on several occasions over the past one year underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly," he said.

"We have also taken up the matter with Russian authorities, both in Delhi and Moscow, asking that this practice be ended and that our nationals be released. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens," he added.

This comes after two Indian men were reportedly lured to Russia under the pretext of construction jobs but were instead deployed on the frontline.

The report stated that the two had travelled to Russia in the past six months on student or visitor visas. They alleged that an agent who promised them employment in the construction sector had misled them and sent them directly to the battlefield.