Editor’s Note
This report outlines a forthcoming labor mobility agreement between India and Russia, set to enhance worker protections and deepen bilateral economic ties. The development reflects ongoing strategic cooperation between the two nations.
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India and Russia are planning a new mobility agreement next month aimed at protecting workers’ rights, which will welcome more Indian laborers to Russia. This agreement will further strengthen labor cooperation and economic relations between the two countries.
India and Russia are set to sign a new agreement on worker mobility at the annual summit to be held in New Delhi next month, as reported by The Economic Times. This agreement is being made with the objective of protecting the rights of the growing number of Indian workers in Russia. Experts say this agreement could also help increase the number of Indians working in Russia in the coming years.
Russia, which is currently facing a population decline, wants to expand its workforce. Currently, Indian workers in Russia are mainly employed in construction and textile sectors, but the demand for skilled workers in areas like machinery and electronics is continuously increasing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December for the annual summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, India’s Labor Minister met with his Russian counterpart in Doha, where issues concerning Indian workers were discussed.
According to the Indian Embassy in Moscow, currently about 14,000 Indians live in Russia, in addition to 1,500 Indian citizens of Afghan origin.
Economic cooperation between India and Russia is also continuously strengthening. This year, India has imported diamonds and gold from Russia at record levels. In August 2025, India’s diamond imports from Russia increased to $31.3 million, more than double the $13.4 million in August 2024.
However, a decline of about 40% was recorded in total diamond imports from Russia during the first eight months of the year. Russia is the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds. Western sanctions have had a significant impact on this trade. The European Union and G7 countries have imposed a ban on diamond imports from Russia. Even diamonds that are cut and polished in other countries but originally came from Russia are banned.
On the other hand, the Indian diamond industry is facing a 50% tariff imposed by the US. This includes a 25% punitive tariff, which is linked to India’s purchase of oil from Russia.
According to the website of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, about 500 Indian traders live in Russia, most of whom are in Moscow. There are about 300 registered Indian companies in Russia, primarily engaged in trade of “tea, coffee, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, rice, spices, leather footwear, granite, IT services, and textiles.”
In the field of education, about 4,500 Indian students are studying in Russia, of which 90% are pursuing medical courses in 20 universities. Other students are studying subjects like engineering, aeronautical design, computer science, transport technology, management, agriculture, and finance.
The ‘Hindustani Samaj’, established in 1957, is the oldest Indian organization in Russia and plays a significant role in social and cultural activities. In addition, several other Indian organizations in Russia are working in collaboration with the Indian Embassy, including the Indian Cultural Society, Brahmakumaris, ISKCON, Gurdwara Management Committee, and Ramakrishna Society.