Russia has agreed to take around 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year, particularly for construction and logistics, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told a parliamentary consultative committee on Saturday. The move adds a labour-mobility dimension to India-Russia ties.
Jaishankar chaired the committee meeting on India-Russia relations, where discussions covered trade, investment, energy and connectivity. He said both sides share an ambition to increase bilateral trade in a more balanced manner, including expanding Indian exports to Russia.
Seven sectors identified for greater Indian exports are automobiles, pharmaceuticals, food, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles. On energy cooperation, Jaishankar said India’s priority remains protecting the interests of consumers and maintaining multiple sources of supply.
The meeting also covered India’s diplomatic efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s August 31 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, where Modi stressed that an endless war should give way to an end to the conflict.
India’s diplomatic outreach in Ukraine and meetings with Russian and Ukrainian officials at the United Nations also figured in the discussions. Putin has said Modi has ideas for finding mutually acceptable solutions to the conflict.
Jaishankar also updated the panel on efforts to secure the release of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military. Around 140 Indians have reportedly been discharged, while New Delhi is seeking information about 55 others whose whereabouts remain under discussion with Russian authorities.
The worker agreement comes as India and Russia deepen cooperation despite geopolitical pressures.
