Border statistics show that in the first quarter of last year, about 32,000 Indian citizens entered Russia, in the second — 36,000, and in the third — 63,000. It is expected that by the end of 2025, the number of Indian workers in the country will reach 80,000. In 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed an agreement to quota 71,800 migrants from India.
According to Indian experts, Russia is actively attracting workers from India. Salaries in Russia range from 475 to 950 euros per month, which significantly exceeds incomes in their homeland. In December, groups of Indian guest workers began to form in St. Petersburg, reporting a monthly salary of 100,000 rubles, as well as free housing, meals, and Russian language courses.
“Russia needs workers, India needs to export unemployment,” noted one Indian diplomat who wished to remain anonymous.
He stated that previously migration occurred informally and chaotically, but now this process has become more organized.
Experts suggest that the wages of Indians will be paid in rupees, which Russia receives from oil sales to India. Currently, these funds are not being utilized, as Russia does not purchase enough Indian goods. Thus, oil becomes equivalent to human labor. Economist Igor Lipsitz noted that interest in Indian workers has increased after the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall, when Russian authorities limited the influx of Muslim migrants from Central Asia.
“The focus on India is likely related to the desire to reduce the number of Muslim migrants. It is assumed that predominantly Hindus will be brought in. However, this does not solve the problem, as people from different cultures can still create their own conflicts,” added economist Andrei Yakovlev.
