While addressing the launch of the Human Mobility Partnership Forum in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that India will prioritize bolstering the execution of existing mobility accords to ensure mutual benefits for both countries.
India has established 28 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) with 26 nations, with ongoing negotiations with several other countries.
Jaishankar highlighted the increasing significance of cross-border mobility for skilled workers, driven by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and the green transition that are reshaping global labor markets.
He noted that the evolution brought about by artificial intelligence, automation, digitalization, and a pivot towards green technologies is altering skill demands, while traditional sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture still experience a high demand for labor.
He observed that while global economic interactions have historically focused on trade, investment, and the movement of goods and capital, human talent has emerged as a crucial catalyst for economic growth. Countries are increasingly seeking access to skilled professionals to boost productivity and foster innovation.
Jaishankar explained that India’s mobility partnerships extend beyond merely facilitating overseas job placements; they aim to enhance long-term international collaboration grounded in mutual advantage and shared accountability.
He also underscored the importance of enabling safe, orderly, and legal migration while advocating for enhanced international cooperation to address illegal migration, human trafficking, deceptive recruitment practices, and other forms of worker exploitation.
The minister urged for broader recognition of professional qualifications and skills across nations to better facilitate workers in accessing international opportunities.
Two years ago, India launched the eMigrate 2.0 platform to promote safer and more transparent overseas migration. Since its introduction, over 50 lakh emigration clearances have been processed through this platform.
As per a response from the Ministry of External Affairs presented in Parliament in August 2023, approximately 1.3 crore Indians reside abroad, encompassing workers, professionals, and experts. The largest populations of the Indian diaspora can be found in the UAE (35.54 lakh), Saudi Arabia (22.19 lakh), Kuwait (8.29 lakh), Qatar (8 lakh), and Oman (5.3 lakh).
