In a significant move to formalize labour mobility and address security concerns, India and Russia signed two pivotal agreements on Friday, December 6, 2025. The pacts aim to open doors for thousands of skilled Indian workers while establishing a framework to prevent illegal migration and dangerous recruitment practices, a need highlighted by the tragic deaths of Indians in the Ukraine war.
Two Pacts, One Goal: Safe and Structured Mobility
The agreements were exchanged between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The first pact, titled 'Cooperation in Combating Irregular Migration', is a direct response to the alarming cases of Indian nationals being recruited—often under false pretences—into the Russian military, leading to casualties on the battlefield.
The second agreement, 'Temporary Labour Activity of Citizens of one State in the Territory of the other State', is designed to facilitate the legal and temporary migration of skilled Indian professionals to labour-intensive sectors in Russia. These sectors include construction, agriculture, textiles, electronics, and IT-enabled services.
Addressing a Labour Shortage and Creating Opportunities
The labour pact arrives at a crucial time for Russia, which is grappling with a severe workforce deficit. Estimates from Russian media suggest the country needs to fill over three million labour-intensive positions by 2030, with industrial hubs like the Ural region urgently seeking workers.
While official timelines and exact numbers were not immediately disclosed, sources indicated that as many as 70,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers could find employment in Russian industries over the next two to three years. This initiative aligns with India's strategy of signing similar mobility partnerships with nations like Japan, Israel, the UAE, and Germany.
To prepare workers, the government is considering utilizing skill centres in states like Maharashtra for pre-deployment training tailored to Russian industry needs.
Safeguards and High-Level Discussions on Recruitment
During a briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that while the irregular migration pact does not explicitly mention the cases of Indians recruited by the Russian Army, the issue was a key part of the discussions. New Delhi has repeatedly raised concerns over the past year about its citizens being coerced or misled by agents.
Just last month, the Indian government confirmed that 44 Indian nationals were serving in the Russian army, many of whom were promised safe civilian jobs. The new framework is seen as a counter-balance, aiming to provide legal avenues for work while curbing such dangerous irregular channels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreements, stating, "Manpower mobility will connect our peoples and create new strengths and opportunities for both countries. I am pleased that two agreements have been signed today to promote this."
The pacts mark a strategic shift, offering Indian workers an alternative to traditional Gulf destinations. Russia is known to offer competitive incentives and regulated working hours, though language barriers remain a challenge. With these agreements, both nations aim to transform a complex migration landscape into a structured, secure, and mutually beneficial partnership.
