Goa, July 14 -- Russia is reportedly planning to bring in up to 1 million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to help tackle an acute labour shortage in its key industrial regions, particularly in the Sverdlovsk area-known for heavy industry and defence production. The plan was outlined by Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who said agreements have been reached with India to facilitate the migration. To support the expected influx, a new Indian consulate is set to open in Yekaterinburg, aimed at streamlining documentation and services for arriving workers.

The shortage has been driven by Russia's demographic decline and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has pulled many Russian workers into military service, ...