New Delhi, Oct. 4: Russia has agreed to employ around 70,000 skilled Indian workers in 2026, mainly in the construction and logistics sectors, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed a parliamentary consultative committee on India-Russia relations.
Jaishankar chaired the meeting on Saturday, October 3, in New Delhi. Discussions covered bilateral trade, investment, energy cooperation, connectivity, cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges.
The proposed employment opportunities come as India and Russia seek to strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade between the two countries. However, details of recruitment procedures, job categories and employment terms were not specified in the reports.
India and Russia Explore Jobs and Trade Opportunities
Jaishankar told the committee that both countries want to make bilateral trade more balanced by increasing Indian exports to Russia across seven sectors.
These include automobiles, pharmaceuticals, food products, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles. The discussions also covered energy security and maintaining multiple sources of supply to protect Indian consumers.
Connectivity initiatives, including the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route, were also discussed. The possibility of a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union featured in the broader engagement.
The minister also briefed members on India’s diplomatic efforts concerning the Ukraine conflict. He reiterated New Delhi’s support for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution.
India Seeks Information on 55 Citizens Linked to Russian Army
Jaishankar also updated the committee on efforts to secure the release of Indian nationals recruited into or serving with the Russian military.
Around 140 Indian nationals have been discharged, while India is seeking information from Russian authorities about another 55 citizens whose whereabouts and status remain a concern, according to reports of the meeting.
The government has been engaging with Russian authorities to facilitate the return of affected Indians and address concerns surrounding their recruitment.
The latest discussions highlight the range of issues shaping India-Russia relations, from employment and trade to energy security and the safety of Indian citizens abroad.
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