Indian Blue-Collar Workers Bridge Russia's Labor Gap Amid War & Sanctions

• Russia faces a severe labor shortage due to war and an aging population, turning to India for skilled and unskilled workers.
• Hiring of Indian blue-collar workers by Russian firms has surged by 60% in four years, with demand for welders, carpenters, and more.
• India and Russia strengthened labor mobility, with Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri calling it a "centrepiece" of bilateral ties.
• Indian workers earn a minimum of Rs 50,000 monthly, plus food and accommodation, significantly higher than domestic wages.
• The trend mirrors the Gulf boom, driven by geopolitical shifts making manpower movement easier than large investments.

Why It Matters: India's blue-collar workforce is increasingly filling Russia's labor needs, driven by economic incentives and geopolitical shifts.