During the first eight months of 2026, a total of 978 work permits were issued to Indian citizens in Tatarstan. The approved quota for attracting workers from the country for the current year stands at 3,386 people. Workforce cooperation between Russia and India will be one of the key topics at the 2nd Russian-Indian Business Forum "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency", which is set to take place in Kazan on 14–17 October.
The current dynamic shows that attracting Indian specialists is becoming a sustainable trend. In 2025, Indian nationals were granted 665 work permits – a 17-fold increase compared to 2024, when only 40 permits were issued. Overall, during this period, the total number of work permits issued to foreign nationals in Tatarstan grew 3.2 times, rising from 1,700 to 5,400.
Indian workers are being recruited, in particular, to work at industrial and manufacturing enterprises. Among the in-demand occupations are process piping installers, welders, machine tool operators, production line operators, rebar fixers, concrete workers, electricians, plumbers, chefs, and seamstresses. Employers note that the employees master their duties within a few weeks or a month and plan to continue the cooperation.
As part of the preparations for the "TIME" Forum, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan has held four working meetings involving Indian recruitment agencies, the "Work of Russia" Employment Centre, and representatives of the republic's businesses. Following the negotiations, agreements have been reached regarding the employment of foreign citizens at the region's enterprises.
The workforce agenda will also be presented at the forum itself. The session entitled "Labour Market: Challenges and Prospects" will continue the discussion on specialist training, labour mobility, and attracting workers for joint projects. Participants will be able to examine issues surrounding the interaction between employers and recruitment partners, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation.
For forum visitors, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan will prepare an interactive stand dedicated to the "Work of Russia" Employment Centre. On-site, a VR zone will allow visitors to explore various occupations within a virtual working environment, an AI photo booth will capture images of attendees dressed in their chosen professional attire, and the board game "Live and Work in Tatarstan" will showcase local enterprises, career opportunities, and life in the republic. Employers will also be participating.
‘At the inaugural “TIME” Forum, the labour market became one of the key themes, and over the past year, workforce cooperation between Tatarstan and India has moved from discussions to practical results. This year, the session will continue this work, creating opportunities for new agreements and industry-specific initiatives. The forum helps employers find highly qualified specialists, whilst enabling Indian partners to build cooperation with Russian companies. We view it as a practical platform where dialogue translates into concrete agreements and long-term workforce strategies,’ noted Elmira Zaripova, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Media accreditation for the TIME Forum is available via the link until 10 October 2026.
Official website of the TIME Forum.
Useful information about the Forum via the link.
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The II Russian-Indian Business Forum "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency" will take place from 14 to 17 October 2026 in Kazan, with the business programme scheduled for 15–16 October. The Forum aims to develop trade, economic, investment, scientific, technological, and humanitarian co-operation between the regions of Russia and the administrative divisions of India. The focus will be on practical business opportunities, new partnerships, and joint projects.
The business programme will cover key areas of Russia–India interaction: petrochemistry, finance and investment, logistics, medicine and pharmaceuticals, education and science, agriculture, IT and startups, textile manufacturing, creative industries, and the film industry. The forum itinerary includes a plenary session, an enterprise exhibition, B2B meetings, a masterclass on doing business with India, as well as a cultural and sports programme.
The ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” is acting as the operator for the preparation and implementation of the TIME Forum.
The current dynamic shows that attracting Indian specialists is becoming a sustainable trend. In 2025, Indian nationals were granted 665 work permits – a 17-fold increase compared to 2024, when only 40 permits were issued. Overall, during this period, the total number of work permits issued to foreign nationals in Tatarstan grew 3.2 times, rising from 1,700 to 5,400.
Indian workers are being recruited, in particular, to work at industrial and manufacturing enterprises. Among the in-demand occupations are process piping installers, welders, machine tool operators, production line operators, rebar fixers, concrete workers, electricians, plumbers, chefs, and seamstresses. Employers note that the employees master their duties within a few weeks or a month and plan to continue the cooperation.
As part of the preparations for the "TIME" Forum, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan has held four working meetings involving Indian recruitment agencies, the "Work of Russia" Employment Centre, and representatives of the republic's businesses. Following the negotiations, agreements have been reached regarding the employment of foreign citizens at the region's enterprises.
The workforce agenda will also be presented at the forum itself. The session entitled "Labour Market: Challenges and Prospects" will continue the discussion on specialist training, labour mobility, and attracting workers for joint projects. Participants will be able to examine issues surrounding the interaction between employers and recruitment partners, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation.
For forum visitors, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan will prepare an interactive stand dedicated to the "Work of Russia" Employment Centre. On-site, a VR zone will allow visitors to explore various occupations within a virtual working environment, an AI photo booth will capture images of attendees dressed in their chosen professional attire, and the board game "Live and Work in Tatarstan" will showcase local enterprises, career opportunities, and life in the republic. Employers will also be participating.
‘At the inaugural “TIME” Forum, the labour market became one of the key themes, and over the past year, workforce cooperation between Tatarstan and India has moved from discussions to practical results. This year, the session will continue this work, creating opportunities for new agreements and industry-specific initiatives. The forum helps employers find highly qualified specialists, whilst enabling Indian partners to build cooperation with Russian companies. We view it as a practical platform where dialogue translates into concrete agreements and long-term workforce strategies,’ noted Elmira Zaripova, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Media accreditation for the TIME Forum is available via the link until 10 October 2026.
Official website of the TIME Forum.
Useful information about the Forum via the link.
*****
The II Russian-Indian Business Forum "TIME: Tatarstan Initiative Mutual Efficiency" will take place from 14 to 17 October 2026 in Kazan, with the business programme scheduled for 15–16 October. The Forum aims to develop trade, economic, investment, scientific, technological, and humanitarian co-operation between the regions of Russia and the administrative divisions of India. The focus will be on practical business opportunities, new partnerships, and joint projects.
The business programme will cover key areas of Russia–India interaction: petrochemistry, finance and investment, logistics, medicine and pharmaceuticals, education and science, agriculture, IT and startups, textile manufacturing, creative industries, and the film industry. The forum itinerary includes a plenary session, an enterprise exhibition, B2B meetings, a masterclass on doing business with India, as well as a cultural and sports programme.
The ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” is acting as the operator for the preparation and implementation of the TIME Forum.