India Declares Mobility A Pillar Of International Cooperation: Jaishankar
Jaishankar highlights mobility as key to international cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India views human mobility as a key pillar of international cooperation, emphasizing that global migration frameworks must be guided by mutual benefit, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability. He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Human Resource Mobility Forum in the national capital.
Jaishankar said human resource mobility goes beyond the simple movement of people across borders and instead connects aspirations with opportunities while linking talent with global demand. He added that such systems play a crucial role in both economic growth and social well-being, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to development in multiple countries.
The External Affairs Minister highlighted that India’s approach to mobility is not limited to facilitating overseas employment but is built on structured international partnerships. He noted that India has signed 28 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements or equivalent arrangements with 26 countries, with several more currently under negotiation to strengthen legal and orderly migration pathways.
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Jaishankar also stressed the need to address challenges such as illegal migration, exploitative recruitment practices, fraudulent intermediaries, and human trafficking. He said these issues weaken legal mobility systems and put vulnerable workers at risk, making stronger governance frameworks and international cooperation essential.
Highlighting the role of technology in migration governance, he pointed to digital platforms such as eMigrate V.2, which he said has improved transparency and safety in overseas employment processes. According to him, more than 50 lakh emigration clearances have been issued through the system, making it a globally recognized model for managing legal mobility and protecting migrant workers.
He further said that India’s migration policies remain centered on the welfare and protection of its citizens abroad, supported by mechanisms such as the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), consular services, and grievance platforms like MADAD. Jaishankar also noted that evolving global trends, including artificial intelligence, automation, and the growth of the green economy, are expected to reshape labour markets and create new skill demands, making structured mobility frameworks even more important in the future.
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