Jaishankar tells a parliamentary panel that Russia has agreed to take around 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year
4 October 2026
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed a parliamentary consultative committee on India-Russia relations on Saturday (October 3, 2026).
He said Russia has agreed to take around 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year, especially in construction and logistics.
He spoke of expanding bilateral trade in a balanced manner, with greater Indian exports to Russia in seven areas: auto, pharma, food, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles.
On energy, he said India's priority is to safeguard the interests of Indian consumers, and its approach is to maintain multiple sources of supply.
He told the panel that around 140 Indian nationals serving in the Russian military have been discharged so far.
In plain words
Consultative committee Parliamentary Consultative Committee — A forum of MPs from both Houses attached to a ministry to discuss policy informally with the minister.
Bilateral trade Bilateral trade — Trade between two countries.