India, Russia to sign labour mobility agreement during Putin’s December visit

Moscow: India and Russia are set to sign a bilateral labour mobility agreement during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi in the first week of December. The accord aims to establish a framework for legal migration, safeguard workers’ rights, and facilitate the expansion of skilled Indian manpower in Russia, which is facing a shortage of qualified professionals amid its growing economy.

Under the agreement, existing Indian workers in Russia will receive legal protection, while thousands of new professionals will gain opportunities in sectors such as construction, textiles, engineering, and electronics. By the end of the year, over 70,000 Indian nationals are expected to be formally employed across Russia under quotas managed by the Russian Ministry of Labour.

The Moscow-based Indian Business Alliance (IBA) welcomed the initiative, calling it a strategic milestone in India-Russia relations. “India has one of the world’s most dynamic and skilled workforces, and Russia is undergoing a major industrial transformation. This agreement creates a win-win opportunity — providing skilled manpower for Russia’s economy while ensuring secure and dignified employment for Indian professionals,” said IBA President Sammy Manoj Kotwani.

To prevent issues from past violations of immigration laws by Indian nationals recruited through fraudulent means, the IBA expressed its readiness to work with both governments and business partners to organise orientation and language programmes for incoming Indian workers. The organisation will also promote fair recruitment channels and ethical employment standards.

The IBA will coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Moscow and regional Russian authorities to ensure smooth integration and welfare of Indian citizens working in Russia.

With PTI inputs