KAZAN, October 16. /TASS/. India intends to recognize the Russian language proficiency as a professional skill in the near future, Deputy Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Amit Kumar said at the 2nd Russian-Indian Business Forum titled "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency" in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Volga area region of Tatarstan.

"Another focus of our work is recognizing language proficiency as a qualification, treating language knowledge as a skill. This will let us standardize curricula, ensure language teaching and funding in the vocational training system. Work is already underway and the Russian language will soon be recognized as a professional skill," Kumar said at a session titled "Labor Market: Challenges and Prospects."

Kumar noted that India was developing a road map for global labor mobility. "It involves a number of concrete steps, including identifying priority destination countries, industries and specialties. This will help create demand for skills development that reflects what the market actually needs. Russia has already been named as one of the priority countries and work is currently underway to determine which professions and industries are in demand. For Russia, they include construction, manufacturing and transport," he said.

According to Kumar, India is also developing early adaptation programs for students, identifying the qualifications they need to work in Russia. "India believes that the future of the labor field is built on partnership, where skills move, opportunities expand and economies grow together. We see huge potential here, including for the development of joint curricula, mutual recognition of skills, training of instructors, partnerships between Indian and Russian educational centers and cooperation on teaching the Russian language," he added.

The 2nd Russian-Indian Business Forum titled "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency" runs from October 14 to 17 at the Centre for Unique Craftsmanship in Kazan. TASS is the general information partner of the forum.