New Delhi, Jan. 16 -- Undeterred by reports of scores of Indians in Russia being forcibly drafted into the Ukraine war - some of whom have died - Mr Rakesh Shah still wants to travel to Russia to work in construction, underlining the risks Indian workers are willing to take for employment.

Rubbing his hands against the winter chill as he stood outside a government-accredited recruitment firm in New Delhi, Mr Shah said his determination to provide a better life for his family outweighs his concerns over the risks from the war in the region.

He feels a little reassured by a yet-to-be operationalised mobility agreement signed between India and Russia in December 2025 that should enable the Indian authorities to track who is going to Russia...