India–Russia Partnership Set to Deepen: Russia Opens Door for 5 Million Skilled Indian Workers, Pushes for Faster Trade Expansion

In a powerful signal of growing strategic and economic cooperation, Russia has announced an urgent requirement for 5 million skilled workers, a gap that India is uniquely positioned to fill. The announcement came from Sergei Krasilnikov, Vice President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), during the India–Russia Business Forum held in New Delhi.

Krasilnikov revealed that Russian companies are actively seeking to hire skilled Indian workers and expand imports from India, following a direct directive from President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that Russia’s current trade balance with India is heavily skewed—Moscow buys ten times less from New Delhi than it sells. Correcting this imbalance has now become a priority at the highest level of the Russian government.

Massive Demand for Skilled Indian Workforce

Krasilnikov confirmed that Russia needs about 50 lakh skilled migrant workers across multiple industries.
“We are here to create a bridge between Russian companies and India’s massive talent pool,” he said. “Russian businesses urgently need Indian workforce, and India is the ideal partner.”

Sectors likely to witness high demand include:

• Welding and metal works
• Robotics and automation
• Drone operations
• Construction and infrastructure
• Engineering and technical trades

Putin’s Clear Message to Industry: ‘Buy From India’

Highlighting the Russian President’s push for deeper trade ties, Krasilnikov stated:
“We have come with a clear government instruction: increase imports from India.”

He noted that high tariffs—such as the 12% duty on textiles—have been a barrier for Russian buyers. Lowering these through a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will encourage greater purchase of Indian goods.

Russia has also urged its logistics companies to strengthen connectivity. The proposed FESCO container line between Chennai and Vladivostok is expected to significantly boost trade movement. Krasilnikov stressed the need for Indian goods on return routes so Russian ships do not travel empty after delivering coal.

A Win–Win Partnership for Both Countries

Manish Kumar, President of Saltex Group, echoed the sentiment, saying India can seamlessly integrate its skilled workforce with Russia’s expanding economy.
“Russia needs workers. India needs jobs for its youth. This partnership benefits both,” he said.

Kumar announced that starting 15 December, his group will launch a technical training programme for welders in collaboration with a renowned Russian university. Trainees will learn on Russian equipment and receive job-specific technical Russian language training before deployment.

Plans are also underway to introduce training programmes in:

• Robotics
• Drones
• Advanced machinery
• Other high-skill domains demanded by Russia

FTA to Unlock a Market of Five Nations

Highlighting the significance of the proposed FTA, Kumar noted that Russia is part of a bloc of five countries—making it a major integrated market for Indian talent and products.
“Once tariff barriers fall, trade will explode,” he said.

A New Phase in India–Russia Collaboration

The developments signal a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, with massive potential in:

• Skilled labour migration
• Trade expansion
• Logistics modernization
• Industrial training programmes
• Technology-sharing initiatives

As Russia faces a serious workforce shortage and India emerges as a global hub of skilled manpower, both nations are set to benefit tremendously from this realignment. The finalization of the FTA and streamlined logistics will further strengthen this promising partnership.