Russia, grappling with a declining population and labor shortages, is now looking towards India with hopeful eyes. Russia desires an increased participation of skilled Indian workers in its industrial and service sectors.
New Delhi: A new chapter is set to unfold in the relations between India and Russia. Russia (Russia) now aims to open up employment opportunities for India's skilled workers (Skilled Indian Workers). Grappling with a declining population, Russia plans to provide employment to a large number of Indian workers in its country in the coming years.
It is anticipated that a significant bilateral agreement (Employment Agreement) on this issue might be reached during the India-Russia Annual Summit (India-Russia Annual Summit 2025) scheduled for December 2025. The objective of this agreement is to protect the rights of Indians working in Russia and to provide institutional support for their employment.
Russia Needs India's Skilled Workers
Russia's declining population and rapidly shrinking labor market have created a significant challenge for its industries. To address this situation, Russia is now looking towards India. According to a report by the Economic Times (ET), Russia wants skilled Indian workers to work in the machinery, electronics, construction, and textile industries.
Currently, most Indian workers in Russia are involved in the construction and textile industries, but Russia now aims to include them in technical sectors as well. According to the Russian Ministry of Labor's quota, the number of Indians working in Russia will exceed 70,000 by the end of 2025. This figure is almost double the current number.
Partnership Between India and Russia to Grow
Last week, India's Labor Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, met his Russian counterpart at an international event held in Doha. According to sources, the discussions specifically focused on the safety, legal rights, and employment opportunities for Indian workers. Experts familiar with Russian affairs believe that the growing presence of skilled Indian workforce could become a new pillar of India-Russia partnership in the coming years.
Increasing economic cooperation between the two countries also provides a b indication in this direction. Both nations already share deep ties in sectors such as trade, defense, energy, and mining.
New Record in Diamond and Gold Trade
An unprecedented increase has also been recorded in the diamond (Diamond) and gold (Gold) trade between India and Russia. According to a report by Russian media RIA Novosti, Russia's diamond exports to India reached $31.3 million in August 2025 this year. This is more than double the $13.4 million reported in August last year.
However, in the first eight months of this year, the total supply of diamonds from Russia to India recorded a decrease of approximately 40%, attributed to the sanction policies (Sanctions) of Western countries.
Strengthening India-Russia Relations Amidst Western Sanctions
Russia is the world's largest producer of rough diamonds and has historically been a major supplier to India's diamond industry (Diamond Industry).
However, the Indian industry has been significantly impacted after sanctions were imposed on Alrosa, Russia's largest mining company, by the United States and European countries.
Furthermore, the 50% tariff imposed by former US President Donald Trump has further complicated matters for the Indian diamond industry. Against this backdrop, increasing cooperation between India and Russia could prove extremely crucial for the economic interests of both nations. The India-Russia Annual Summit 2025 (23rd edition) will be held from December 4 to 6 this year in New Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin (Vladimir Putin) will participate in this summit, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host it from the Indian side.
