Russia Turns to Indian Workers Amidst Labour Shortage and War

Russia’s facing a major labor shortage, made worse by the ongoing war in Ukraine. To fill critical workforce gaps, the country has started looking toward India.

This shift isn’t just about economics or defense ties—though those play a big part. It also signals how much Russia now depends on migrant labor to keep its economy running, especially in manufacturing, service, and construction.

Russia’s Labor Shortage: A Pressing Issue

Right now, Russia needs at least 2.3 million more workers. The war in Ukraine has only made things more urgent.

In the past, Russia counted on migrant workers from Central Asia, but that’s changing. Tougher migration rules, a weaker rouble, and a rise in anti-immigrant attitudes have all discouraged Central Asian workers from coming.

The Shift to Indian Workers

With fewer Central Asian migrants arriving, Russia has started turning to India. Back in 2021, only about 5,000 work permits went to Indian nationals.

Last year, that number jumped to nearly 72,000 permits—almost a third of the total annual quota for migrant workers on visas. That’s a pretty dramatic increase and says a lot about Russia’s growing reliance on Indian labor.

Denis Manturov, Russia’s first deputy prime minister, said the country could take in an “unlimited number” of Indian workers. He pointed out that manufacturing alone needs at least 800,000 workers, and service and construction sectors need another 1.5 million.

Economic and Defense Ties Between Russia and India

There’s more to this story than just numbers. Russia and India have strong economic and defense connections. India keeps buying discounted Russian oil, which is tough for Moscow to sell elsewhere because of Western sanctions.

This partnership has made it easier for Indians to get visas and work permits, deepening the bond between the two countries.

Case Studies: Indian Workers in Russia

Take Kharchand Singh, a 45-year-old from India. He works on a beet processing line at a farm near Kolomna, outside Moscow.

Then there’s Gaurav, 23, who’s been working at Brera Intex—a textiles company in Moscow—for three months. He says, “Russian life is very good,” and seems genuinely satisfied with his job.

Sahil, also 23 and from Punjab, has spent a year at the Sergiyevsky farm. He earns about 50,000 roubles ($660) a month—a wage that local Russians usually turn down.

His story highlights the opportunities available for Indian workers in Russia, even if the road isn’t always smooth.

The Role of Migrant Labor in Russia’s War Economy

Migrant labor now keeps Russia’s war economy afloat. With so many Russian men enlisted or involved in the conflict, foreign workers have become essential.

Indian migrants fill jobs in everything from rubbish collection to textiles and farming. They’re keeping key industries and services moving, even as the country faces tough times.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. The weaker rouble and strict migration laws make things tough. Rising anti-immigrant rhetoric from some Russian politicians doesn’t help either.

Still, the economic partnership between Russia and India gives both sides a bit of breathing room. A recent agreement signed by Putin and Modi aims to make it easier for Indians to work in Russia, which could help smooth out some of these bumps.

Conclusion

Russia’s labor crisis keeps getting more complicated, and Indian workers are right at the center of it now. The economic and defense ties between Moscow and New Delhi run deep.

This labor exchange brings benefits to both sides. Sure, there are still plenty of challenges, but the partnership between these two countries gives them a decent shot at working things out.

If you’re curious for more, the full article’s over at Reuters.