NOVEMBER, 20258TOP STORIESTOP STORIESINDIA & RUSSIA TO SIGN LABOUR MOBILITY PACT IN DECEMBERSHAILESH CHANDRA BECOMES FIRST INDIAN OICA PRESIDENTDuring the first week of December, President Vladimir Putin will be in New Delhi when India and Russia are going to sign a landmark bilateral mobility agreement.This pact is intended to create a planned structure for regulation of migration, workers protection, and the assignment of Indian professionals with a skill in the sectors that would be most beneficial for the Russian economy.As a result of Russia in desperate need of qualified labour due to its industrial growth, the pact will make it possible for thousands of Indian workers to access industries such as construction, textiles, engineering and electronics.According to the reports, the number of Indian nationals officially employed in Russia could go beyond 70,000 by the end of this year under the quotas that will be overseen by the Ministry of Labour.The Indian Business Alliance (IBA), based in Moscow, has supported the move and termed it as a turning point to the deepening of bilateral relations. "Such an agreement lays ground for a win-win situation-Russia's expanding industrial needs are met and at the same time Indian professionals are provided with secure and dignified employment," remarked IBA President Sammy Manoj Kotwani.Moreover, to ensure that the workers are well looked after, IBA is ready to work with both governments in facilitating awareness before departure and language training programmes, encourage good recruitment practices and prohibit any immigration violations.Collaborating with the Indian Embassy in Moscow and local authorities in Russia will be the additional steps towards ensuring harmonization as well as protection of the Indian community in Russia. He expressed, "It is an honour to become the first OICA president from India, which underscores the organisation's global representation."As the industry shifts towards sustainable mobility and net-zero objectives, he emphasized that OICA's role in recognizing regional diversity will be vital "as we collectively strive to make our vehicles more aspirational, safer and environmentally friendly."Additionally, OICA has appointed Hildegard Müller, the president of the German automotive industry association VDA, as vice-president. Müller, who has been at the helm of the VDA since 2020, previously held the position of minister of state to the German chancellor and served as chairwoman of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).Established in 1919, OICA serves as the global federation of national automotive industry associations, representing 36 members. It collaborates with the UN's World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (UNECE WP.29) on technical standards and mobility policy, compiles global production and sales data, and supports international motor shows.Chandra's election occurs at a time when the global automotive industry is confronted with stricter regulations, decarbonisation targets, and a transition towards sustainable mobility. The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA) has appointed Shailesh Chandra, who is the president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) and the managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, as its president for a term commencing on November 1, 2025.He takes over from John Bozzella, the president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation in the USA.Chandra is the first Indian to lead OICA, representing a significant achievement for India in the realm of global automotive decision-making.
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