Russia Agrees to Take Around 70,000 Indian Skilled Workers This Year: Govt

Russia has agreed to take around 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year, particularly for the construction and logistics sectors, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told a parliamentary consultative committee on Saturday.

Chairing a meeting on India-Russia relations, Jaishankar briefed members on the two countries’ multifaceted engagement, including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, culture and people-to-people ties.

The minister said India and Russia share an ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced manner, including by increasing Indian exports to Russia in seven sectors -- automobiles, pharmaceuticals, food, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles.

On energy cooperation, Jaishankar said India’s priority was to safeguard the interests of consumers and maintain multiple sources of supply.

The minister also apprised the panel of India’s position on the Ukraine conflict, highlighting New Delhi’s active support for dialogue and diplomacy to help bring the war to an end.

Jaishankar referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s August 31 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, where Modi stressed that the “endless war” should give way to an end to the conflict.

Jaishankar also updated the committee on efforts to secure the release of Indians serving in the Russian military.

Around 140 Indian nationals have so far been discharged, while India is seeking information on the whereabouts of 55 others reportedly working for the Russian Army. The government remains engaged with Russian authorities, including at the highest levels, for their early discharge, officials said.