Subhechcha Ganguly 
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has cautioned Indian nationals against joining the Russian military, following reports that two Indians were allegedly duped with construction job offers and then deployed to the frontline in Ukraine.
According to The Hindu, the men—currently in the Donetsk region—claimed they were lured to Russia in the past six months on student or visitor visas but were forced into military service instead. They also said at least 13 more Indians were in similar conditions.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has raised the matter with Russian authorities in both Moscow and New Delhi, seeking the immediate release of those affected. “We are also in touch with the families of the Indian citizens,” he said.
Reiterating its advisory, the MEA urged Indians to avoid any recruitment offers related to the Russian army, stressing that such a path is “fraught with danger” and poses grave risks to life and security.
