Divyanshu G 
(C): Unsplash
Russia’s plan to bring in tens of thousands of Indian workers in 2026 is being framed as a labour-market fix, not a headline stunt. Multiple reports say Russian employers are preparing to recruit at least 40,000 Indians next year, with some advertised wages reaching about $1,000 a month, as industries struggle to staff shifts amid long-running workforce shortages.
The Real Drivers: Labour Shortage, Quotas, And A New Mobility Push
The push is tied to Russia’s shrinking labour pool and the need to keep factories, logistics hubs, and city services running. Coverage of the 40,000 figure links it to comments carried by RIA Novosti via Boris Titov, and it also cites India’s ambassador in Moscow saying 70,000–80,000 Indians were already working in Russia by end-2025.
You can see how fast this story is spreading in official news feeds too. Times of India posted the update on Instagram here.
Another driver is policy “plumbing.” A recent report notes that India and Russia signed agreements in late 2025 to support temporary labour activity and cooperate against irregular migration, which makes large-scale hiring easier to operationalise and monitor.
Which Jobs Are In Focus
Expect semi-skilled and skilled roles in manufacturing (machinery and electronics), construction support, warehousing, and municipal work, where shortages bite fastest.
Why Due Diligence Is Trending In The Same Conversation
Alongside opportunity, there’s a sharper warning tone: an AP investigation documented cases of migrants promised civilian jobs who were then pressured into military contracts in Russia, highlighting why verified employers, written contracts, and embassy checks matter.
Read more: Russia Triples Work Permits for Indian and Bangladeshi Citizens to Fill War-Time Labour Shortages
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