Statistics show that in the first quarter of last year, about 32,000 Indians arrived in Russia, in the second quarter — 36,000, and in the third quarter — already 63,000. By the end of 2025, the country plans to employ up to 80,000 citizens of India. In the same year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed an agreement that provides for the quota of an additional 71,800 Indian workers for 2026.
Indian experts report that there is an active recruitment of local workers in Russia. The salary level for them ranges from 475 to 950 euros per month, which significantly exceeds incomes in their homeland. In December, large groups of Indian guest workers were spotted in St. Petersburg, sharing information about salaries of 100,000 rubles, as well as free housing, food, and Russian language courses.
“Russia needs working hands, and India needs the opportunity to export unemployment,” noted one Indian diplomat who wished to remain anonymous.
He added that previously such migration occurred informally, but now it has become more organized.
Experts interviewed on this issue suggest that the wages of Indian migrants will most likely be paid in rupees that Russia receives from Indian oil purchases. Currently, these funds remain unused, as Russia does not purchase enough Indian goods. Thus, oil effectively turns into labor. Economist Igor Lipsits noted that the focus on Indians has become particularly relevant after the terrorist attack at "Crocus City Hall," when Russian authorities limited the influx of Muslim migrants from Central Asia.
“I believe that the choice in favor of India is also driven by the desire to reduce the influx of Muslims. It is assumed that mainly Hindus will be brought in. However, this is an illusion of a simplified solution: representatives of another culture can bring their own risks and conflicts,” agreed economist Andrei Yakovlev.
