Russian enterprises, particularly in the machinery and electronics industries, are increasingly interested in hiring Indian nationals, stated Vinay Kumar, India’s ambassador to Russia. In an interview with the TASS state news agency, he observed that the demand for consular services is rising as a growing number of Indians are seizing employment opportunities in Russia. These comments were made in the context of a heightened crackdown on immigration in Western countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “On a broader scale, there is a need for manpower in Russia, and India possesses skilled labor. Therefore, currently, within the framework of Russian regulations, laws, and quotas, companies are employing Indians,” the Indian diplomat remarked. “The majority of individuals who have arrived are engaged in the construction and textile industries,” he noted, but he also mentioned that the demand for Indians in the machinery and electronics sectors is on the rise. The ambassador pointed out that the growing number of Indian workers in Russia is putting a strain on consular resources. When individuals arrive and depart, they require consular services for passport extensions, childbirth, for instance, and loss of passport, among other needs, essentially consular services,” he elaborated. Relations with Russia are a fundamental aspect of India’s foreign policy, and Moscow has been a reliable, long-standing partner for New Delhi. The Indian community in Russia is expanding, comprising students, professionals, and workers who are addressing a significant labor shortage. According to data from the Indian Embassy, the Indian community in Russia is estimated to number around 14,000. Additionally, there are approximately 1,500 Afghan nationals of Indian descent residing in Russia. The statistics indicate that there are roughly 4,500 Indian students currently enrolled in medical and technical institutions across Russia. About 90 percent of these students are pursuing medical degrees at around 20 universities and institutions throughout the country, while the remainder are studying engineering, aeronautical design, computer science, transport technology, management, and agriculture.
