Story perspectives

Russia Turns to India for Labor Amid Shortages

2/11/2026

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India's Labor Migration

Russia's tighter migration policies and labor shortages push employers to recruit workers from distant countries, especially India.
In 2025, Indian diplomatic missions documented over 200 complaints of discrimination and exploitation against Indian nationals in Russia.
As of 2024, more than 31,000 Indian students were enrolled in Russian institutions.
Russian officials expect about 40,000 Indian workers in 2026 to address shortages, with Nepal and Vietnam also recruiting.

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Indian Students Attacked

Four Indian students were injured in a knife attack at a Ufa medical university on February 8, 2026.
A 15-year-old assailant attacked students and police officers in a dormitory.
The Indian embassy confirmed the incident.
Russian investigators opened a criminal case accusing officials of negligence after they knew of the assailant's behavioral issues.
This incident raises concerns about the safety of foreign students in Russia amid ongoing discrimination and exploitation.

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India's Labor Migration

Russia's tighter migration policies and labor shortages push employers to recruit workers from distant countries, especially India.
In 2025, Indian diplomatic missions documented over 200 complaints of discrimination and exploitation against Indian nationals in Russia.
As of 2024, more than 31,000 Indian students were enrolled in Russian institutions.
Russian officials expect about 40,000 Indian workers in 2026 to address shortages, with Nepal and Vietnam also recruiting.

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