External affairs minister S Jaishankar has said Russia has agreed to take around 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year, mainly in construction and logistics.

Jaishankar shared the information on October 3 while briefing a parliamentary consultative committee on India’s multifaceted engagement with Russia. The two sides also discussed expanding bilateral trade in a balanced manner, with greater Indian exports in seven areas: auto, pharma, food, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles.

On energy, Jaishankar said New Delhi’s priority is to protect Indian consumers by keeping multiple sources of supply. He also spoke of India’s active support for dialogue and diplomacy to end the Ukraine conflict.

The meeting came amid India’s balancing act between Western partners and Moscow. Officials said about 140 Indian nationals linked to the Russian military have been discharged so far, with the whereabouts of about 55 more being pursued.

The worker plan reflects a labour mobility agreement signed in December 2025. Russia faces a shortage of qualified professionals as its economy adjusts to wartime conditions.