Russia, facing labour crunch worsened by war, pivots to India for workers

Raj, 32, Shail, 30, and Gaurav, 23 (no last names given), migrant workers from India, sew tulle fabric at a textile factory in the town of Balashikha outside Moscow, Russia, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Anastasia Barashkova

MOSCOW, Feb 11 (Reuters) - A group ⁠of weary-looking Indian men carrying sports bags queued at passport control at a busy Moscow airport one recent evening after flying over 2,700 miles - ⁠and via Uzbekistan - to get work.

"I have a contract for one year. In the rubbish disposal business. The money is good," said Ajit, ‌one of the men, speaking in English.