Moscow, Russia

Russian Army soldiers march on in the ongoing war against Ukraine wearing Indian boots manufactured at a facility in Hajipur city of Bihar, news agency ANI reported. 

Advertisment

As per the agency, Hajipur city, which is known for its agricultural production, is writing its own story by manufacturing safety shoes for the Russian army. 

ANI reported that Hajipur-based Competence Exports, a private limited company, makes safety shoes for companies based in Russia and designer shoes catering to European markets. 

Also read: DR Congo-born man attacks French soldier in Paris for 'killing his countrymen', detained 

Advertisment

"We started the Hajipur facility in 2018, and the main interest is to generate local employment. At Hajipur, we make safety shoes that are meant to be exported to Russia," General Manager Shib Kumar Roy told ANI while speaking about the facility. 

"Total exports are for Russia, and we are also slowly working on Europe and will launch in the domestic market soon," Roy added. 

"Their requirements are that shoes should be lightweight, slip-resistant, have special features in the sole, and withstand extreme weather conditions like -40 degrees Celsius. We manufacture the safety shoes, considering these conditions," Roy said as he talked about safety shoe requirements for the Russian army. 

Advertisment

Also read: No country for bears? Romania's parliament approves stepping up bear culling 

The news agency reported that the company is among the biggest exporters to Russia, and the response has been amazing. It is anticipated that the numbers will rise daily. Roy also talked about the employment aspect. 

He said, "The ambition of the company's MD, Danesh Prasad, is to make a world-class factory in Bihar and contribute to state employment. We are trying our best to give maximum employment to employees, and 70 per cent of our 300 employees are women." 

×

The report mentioned that the company exported 1.5 million pairs last year and they hope to double that number next year. According to Roy, the state government has assisted and encouraged the industry, but more has to be done to improve communication and infrastructure to facilitate easy communication between Russian consumers and sellers. 

"We also want ready-skilled manpower, and for that, a training institute should be set up so that we get skill-ready manpower, otherwise, we have to train the workers before inducting them," he added. 

(With inputs from agencies)