New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has cautioned Indians against joining the Russian armed forces, saying reports of continued recruitment of Indian nationals were being received.

The ministry said it had been highlighting the risks involved in such recruitment for the past two years and urged Indians to exercise caution over overseas employment offers from unknown individuals or agencies.

"Joining the Russian army is a dangerous course of action and we strongly urge people to avoid it," the ministry said.

It said some Indians had joined the Russian military after voluntarily surrendering their Indian citizenship and obtaining Russian passports, without consulting Indian authorities.

The ministry also warned that certain agencies were recruiting foreign nationals as volunteers for the Russian army.

"Indians must exercise extreme caution while considering offers from such agencies that have not obtained clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs," it said.