Full Breakdown
India-Russia Engagement: Trade Expansion, Skilled-Worker Programme and Diplomatic Push on Ukraine
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Parliamentary Committee Briefing on India-Russia Relations
On October 3, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar chaired a parliamentary consultative committee to outline India’s “multifaceted” engagement with Russia. He detailed plans to broaden bilateral trade and investment, expand energy cooperation, and deepen people-to-people ties. The briefing also covered India’s diplomatic stance on the Ukraine conflict and efforts to secure the release of Indian nationals serving in the Russian military.
Background & Context
India’s relationship with Russia spans decades, encompassing defence, energy and strategic coordination. Recent disruptions in West-Asian oil supplies and the ongoing Ukraine war have heightened India’s reliance on Russian crude, while Western pressure—including a proposed U.S. 100 % tariff on Russian oil imports—has prompted New Delhi to stress diversified energy sourcing.
Data & Statistics
- Skilled-worker programme: People familiar with the meeting said Russia has agreed to take around 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year, primarily for construction and logistics.
- Energy dependence: The briefing noted that about 52 % of India’s crude oil imports currently originate from Russia.
- Indian nationals in the Russian military: Jaishankar reported that approximately 140 Indian nationals have been discharged from Russian forces, while the government remains in contact with Russian authorities regarding the whereabouts of 55 individuals reportedly still serving.
Official Statements & Responses
- Referring to Modi’s Bishkek meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the Prime Minister’s call for an end to the “endless war.”
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed appreciation for India’s efforts, a sentiment noted during the committee session.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If India can be of any help in any manner to bring the war to an end, it is ready to do so,” — S. Jaishankar, external affairs minister
What’s Next
India is monitoring the U.S. proposal to impose a 100 % tariff on imports of Russian oil, assessing potential impacts on the bilateral trade and energy framework discussed in the briefing. The government continues diplomatic engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv to facilitate a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine conflict and to pursue the full discharge of remaining Indian nationals serving in Russian forces.