Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Indian Workers Flock to Russia Amid Labor Shortage
A lot of Indian workers are going to Russia to find jobs.
Russia needs more workers because many of their own people are getting older or have left the country.
India and Russia made an agreement to make it easier for Indian workers to get jobs in Russia.
These jobs are in areas like IT, construction, and healthcare.
Some Indian workers have also been recruited into the Russian army, but the Indian government is trying to bring them back.
There are concerns about Indian workers being forced to fight in the war in Ukraine, but experts say Russia is more interested in workers from other countries like Myanmar.
Russia's unemployment rate is very low, and they want to increase trade with India to $100 billion by 2030.
Nearly 10,000 Indian workers registered for jobs in Moscow, with estimates suggesting over 60,000 Indian workers currently in Russia.
India and Russia signed a Labour Mobility Agreement to facilitate the recruitment of skilled Indian workers in sectors like IT, construction, and healthcare.
Russian labor shortages are driven by demographics and the Ukraine war, leading to a push for Indian workers in various sectors.
Indian workers are attracted to Russia due to higher wages and accessible recruitment channels compared to traditional destinations.
Concerns exist about Indian workers being recruited into the Russian army, with reports of 202 Indian nationals being enlisted, 26 killed, and 7 missing.
- Who
- Indian workers and the Russian government
- What
- Increased migration of Indian workers to Russia for employment
- When
- Since 2023, with a significant rise in 2025
- Where
- Russia, primarily Moscow
- Why
- To address Russia's labor shortages and provide better employment opportunities for Indian workers
- Number of Indian Workers in Russia (Estimate)
- 60,000
- Indian Workers in Russian Army (Reported)
- 202
- Indian Workers Discharged from Russian Army
- 119
- Indian Workers Killed in Ukraine War (Reported)
- 26
- Indian Workers Missing in Ukraine War (Reported)
- 7
- Russia's Unemployment Rate
- 2.7%
- Target Trade Volume Between India and Russia by 2030
- $100 billion