Indian workers depart for Israel to take up construction jobs

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday requested Israel to ensure the safety of Indian construction workers who recently traveled to the country under a bilateral agreement.
The Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, announced that the first batch of over 60 Indian construction workers have departed for Israel. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that these workers were part of a government-to-government agreement signed earlier.
“As you are aware, these (first batch) workers have gone to Israel as part of a government-to-government agreement that we have signed with the country,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
“This agreement predates the conflict. We are conscious of their safety. We have urged the Israeli authorities to ensure their safety and well-being,” he said.
Jaiswal affirmed that the safety of the Indian workers is a top priority, with ongoing communication between the Indian embassy in Israel and the workers, including approximately 18,000 Indian caregivers currently employed in the country.
“Our embassy is in touch with the Indians in Israel,” he said.
Reports emerged post the Israel-Hamas conflict suggesting that the Israeli construction sector may be seeking to hire around 100,000 Indian workers to replace Palestinian workers. India has underscored its commitment to safeguarding its citizens in Israel following the death of an Indian national in a missile strike reportedly attributed to Hezbollah.