NEW DELHI, India, June 30 (ANI) — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday emphasized that mobility has become a central pillar of international cooperation, while underscoring India’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration and stronger bilateral coordination to curb illegal migration.
Speaking at the Human Resource Mobility Forum in the national capital, Jaishankar said the movement of skilled talent across borders has emerged as a key driver of the global economy, alongside trade and investment.
He noted that India has signed 28 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) with 26 countries, including recent agreements with Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The minister warned that illegal migration undermines the credibility of legal mobility systems and can fuel human trafficking, criminal networks, and exploitation of vulnerable people.
“Equally important is the collective responsibility of nations to combat illegal migration, exploitative practices, fraudulent intermediaries, and human trafficking. These challenges compromise the credibility of legal mobility ecosystems and can place vulnerable individuals at risk,” he said.
Jaishankar described India as an “indispensable contributor” to global growth and said mobility partnerships must be based on mutual benefit, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
“India’s vision for mobility is not limited to facilitating overseas employment opportunities. We view mobility as a very important pillar of international cooperation,” he said.
He stressed the need for bilateral collaboration to ensure safe, orderly, and legal migration, adding that well-managed mobility frameworks benefit both source and destination countries, employers, workers, and communities.
Highlighting the role of technology in migration governance, the minister cited the eMigrate 2.0 platform as a major success, stating that more than 5 million emigration clearances have been issued through the system.
He said digital tools have transformed migration management by making it safer, more transparent, and more efficient.
Jaishankar also noted that demographic changes, including aging populations in several countries, will increase demand for mobile human resources, particularly in healthcare, caregiving, and the technology sector.
He said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization are reshaping labor markets and creating both disruptions and new opportunities.
“The green economy will create demands for new skills and capabilities. Healthcare and caregiving services will become especially important with aging populations. So, the silver economy is as important as the tech one,” he said.
Jaishankar called for stronger collaboration between governments, industries, educational institutions, and international organizations to anticipate future workforce needs and improve global recognition of qualifications and skills.
The Human Resource Mobility Forum, he said, provides an important platform for policymakers and stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation on migration and workforce mobility frameworks.
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