EAM S Jaishankar: Human mobility central to international cooperation

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has urged stronger international partnerships to match skilled Indian workers with ethical employers abroad, as India seeks to capitalise on shifting global demographics and technological change. Speaking at the first-ever Human Mobility Partnership Forum in New Delhi, India's foreign minister highlighted the event’s focus with five key partners, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and Denmark, for detailed discussions on deepening existing mobility agreements. The gathering brings together policymakers, industry leaders and employers to create “trusted mobility pathways” that benefit both source and destination countries.

India has already signed 28 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) or equivalents with 26 countries, with more under negotiation. These bilateral deals emphasise safe, orderly and legal migration while combating illegal flows, exploitation and human trafficking.

The minister pointed to digital reforms as a cornerstone of India’s strategy. The upgraded eMigrate V.2 platform, launched two years ago, has issued more than five million emigration clearances, creating a transparent system praised as a global example of technology protecting migrant workers. As New Delhi overhauls its passport issuance infrastructure and emigration systems, the government aims to make overseas opportunities more accessible and secure for its vast young workforce. Mr Jaishankar acknowledged profound global shifts: ageing populations in developed nations, the rise of artificial intelligence, automation, the green transition and persistent demands in healthcare, care-giving and traditional sectors.

“The silver economy is as important as the tech one,” he noted. He called for closer collaboration between governments, industry and educators to anticipate workforce needs, promote lifelong learning and improve qualification recognition across borders. “We must ensure that workers are prepared not just for today’s opportunities, but also for the demands of tomorrow.”

The welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains paramount, supported by tools such as the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and grievance portals like MADAD. EAM said that the forum, organised by India's foreign ministry, would generate insights to shape policy. “India stands ready to work with its partners around the world in advancing our shared vision,” he said. “We believe that mobility, when guided by fairness and responsibility, can really serve as a powerful force for inclusive growth and human progress.”