In a proactive move towards shaping global migration norms, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spearheaded a national consultation on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM). Partnering with IOM and ICWA, the February 9 event in New Delhi sets the stage for India’s contributions at the upcoming 2026 IMRF.
Official announcements from MEA detailed the agenda and outcomes. The opening ceremony drew prominent attendees like Secretary Shree Priya Ranganathan, UN’s Stefan Priesner, Prashant Pise, and Sanjay Awasthi, reflecting multisectoral buy-in.
Participants from government arms at national and regional levels, global organizations, scholars, NGOs, and industry leaders exchanged insights on India’s migration journey. Emphasis was placed on sharing homegrown strategies and future focuses for streamlined migration.
Structured around core pillars, deliberations tackled safeguarding voluntary migration flows, enhancing migrant safeguards with integration and development links, and advancing data-informed, cooperative policies rooted in shared values.
India’s track record shone through examples matching GCM goals: ethical hiring protocols, accessible legal pathways, welfare mechanisms, reintegration via skill audits, diaspora involvement, and analytics-driven governance.
Having signed onto GCM in 2018 and engaged in the 2022 IMRF, India continues its vanguard role. A highlight was unveiling the Prayas report, spotlighting safe overseas ventures for young professionals and students through targeted mapping.
This forum not only consolidates domestic perspectives but positions India as a collaborative force in tackling irregular migration and harnessing mobility’s benefits worldwide.