Russia to Offer 72,000 Jobs to Indian Workers Amid Ukraine War

Russia has opened its doors to Indian workers in a major labor initiative amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The move, aimed at addressing Russia’s labor shortages, plans to bring 72,000 Indian migrants to Russia in 2026. This development follows agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi earlier this month.

Growing India-Russia Labor Collaboration

India and Russia share decades of close bilateral ties, including multiple labor cooperation agreements. According to reports from Moskovsky Komsomolets, Russia’s official foreign labor quota for 2025 is set at 235,000 workers, with India allocated 71,817 slots.

Boris Titov, Putin’s special representative, noted that at least 42,000 Indians will be deployed in Moscow and other major cities, with expectations that the number will not fall below 40,000.

He also highlighted the steady increase in Indian labor permits in Russia over recent years:

• 2022 – 8,000 permits
• 2023 – 14,000 permits
• 2024 – 36,000 permits

This demonstrates a rapid growth in Indian workers moving to Russia over the past three years.

Addressing Russia’s Labor Shortage

Titov emphasized the importance of Indian talent in addressing Russia’s labor resource gaps. He cited Indian workers’ key contributions to international projects, including urban development in cities like Dubai, highlighting their skills and reliability.

Concerns About Military Recruitment

Despite the opportunities, some Indian workers have raised concerns about potential misuse of the labor agreement, including fears of being recruited for military activities in Ukraine. These reports have prompted caution among prospective Indian applicants. Russian authorities, however, maintain that the labor agreements are strictly civilian in nature and designed to address workforce needs across various sectors.