India-Russia Worker Mobility Pact 2025 Marks New Era of Economic and Labour Cooperation
India and Russia are set to sign a landmark Worker Mobility Pact in 2025, expanding trade, protecting workers, and reshaping global economic ties.
Key Points
- India and Russia to sign a historic Worker Mobility Pact to expand labour and economic cooperation.
- Over 70,000 Indian workers expected to be employed in Russia by end of 2025.
- Bilateral trade hit $68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, led by energy and engineering exports.
- Pact to safeguard workers’ rights and strengthen legal frameworks amid global labour shifts.
- Goal to reach $100 billion in trade by 2030, deepening Eurasian economic ties.
India-Russia Worker Mobility Pact 2025: Strengthening Trade and Workforce Ties
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 10, 2025 — India and Russia are entering a new phase of cooperation in 2025 with the upcoming Worker Mobility Pact, a landmark agreement that will reshape both economic and labour relations. The pact is expected to formalize large-scale worker movement between the two nations, safeguarding employment rights and fostering new trade linkages amid shifting global dynamics.
This development coincides with record-breaking trade figures and growing collaboration between Indian manufacturers and Russian industries, especially in engineering, energy, and technology sectors.
Engineering Exporters Expand Presence in Russian Market
A high-profile delegation led by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is currently in Moscow for the MITEX International Tools Expo 2025, promoting Indian engineering goods and industrial products. More than 20 Indian companies are showcasing machinery parts, hardware, hand tools, and fasteners, with a focus on tapping the rapidly growing Russian market.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is scheduled to chair a buyer-seller meeting on November 14, aiming to secure new joint ventures and trade collaborations. As the United States imposes higher tariffs on Indian exports, Russia is emerging as a critical diversification destination for Indian businesses.
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Record Bilateral Trade but Persistent Imbalance
India-Russia bilateral trade has surged to an unprecedented $68.7 billion in FY 2024–25—nearly six times higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, a trade imbalance persists, with Indian imports of crude oil, coal, and gold dominating at $63.84 billion, compared to exports of only $4.9 billion.
Indian exports to Russia primarily consist of pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, marine products, and computer hardware. Engineering exports alone are projected to reach $1.75 billion this year. Despite a 33% decline in exports year-on-year, long-term growth remains strong, averaging nearly 12% annually over the past decade.
Worker Mobility Pact: A Landmark Labour Agreement
The upcoming India-Russia Worker Mobility Pact represents a major step in strengthening bilateral ties beyond trade. Set to be signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, the pact will establish a clear legal framework for the recruitment, employment, and protection of Indian workers in Russia.
By the end of 2025, an estimated 70,000 Indian professionals and skilled labourers will be employed across Russian industries, including construction, textiles, machinery, and electronics. The pact also addresses worker rights, wages, and safety—ensuring ethical recruitment practices and social security coverage.
During recent discussions in Doha, India’s Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav and his Russian counterpart emphasized the need for structured labour mobility. The Worker Mobility Pact is expected to become a model for future bilateral labour agreements, not just with Russia but with other friendly nations facing workforce shortages.
Strategic Timing and Global Significance
The Worker Mobility Pact comes at a strategic time when both countries are navigating new global challenges. Western sanctions have isolated Russia’s access to skilled workers, creating opportunities for India to fill crucial gaps in construction, technology, and engineering sectors.
Simultaneously, India continues to import discounted Russian crude oil despite tightening US sanctions. The partnership demonstrates both nations’ commitment to pursuing pragmatic, independent economic policies. Their shared goal is to achieve $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, reinforcing their roles as pivotal players in the Eurasian economic corridor.
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Outlook: A New Chapter in India-Russia Relations
With the Worker Mobility Pact set to be signed, India and Russia are redefining their long-standing partnership through deeper labour and trade cooperation. The pact will not only open doors for thousands of Indian workers but also cement India’s role as a reliable partner in Russia’s industrial transformation.
As both nations diversify trade and workforce engagement, the India-Russia alliance stands poised to shape the next decade of Eurasian economic growth, driven by shared interests, mutual trust, and a vision for a balanced global order.