India has reaffirmed its position on promoting legal migration and its openness to accepting deported nationals. This stance, emphasized by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his visit to the United States, underscores the country’s effort to capitalize on its vast pool of skilled and semi-skilled professionals. It also reflects the influence of the 3.5-crore-strong Indian diaspora and their significant contributions to India’s economy.
India’s Global Workforce Advantage
India received a record $125 billion in remittances in 2023, according to the World Bank, far surpassing the $71.92 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) it attracted during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The primary sources of these remittances were countries like the United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. This substantial inflow underscores the economic importance of Indian professionals and workers abroad.
During a press briefing in Washington, Jaishankar emphasized India’s consistent and principled position on illegal migration. “India is open to the return of Indian nationals living illegally abroad, including in the US,” he stated, adding that the government opposes illegal migration due to its association with unlawful activities that harm a nation’s reputation.
Jaishankar also disclosed that the US had provided India with a list of 18,000 Indians facing deportation. While affirming India’s opposition to illegal migration, he reiterated the country’s advocacy for legal mobility, emphasizing the benefits of a global workplace. “We want Indian talent and skills to gain maximum global exposure,” he said.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Amid Challenges
Jaishankar’s visit coincided with the early days of the Trump administration’s second term. Reflecting on his meetings, he described the administration as “very confident and upbeat,” noting a clear focus on achieving results. “I mean that feeling that look, ‘we need to get things done’,” Jaishankar remarked during his interaction with Indian reporters.
A pressing concern raised during his meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the delay in visa processing. Jaishankar noted the adverse effects of such delays on business, tourism, and bilateral relations. “If it takes 400-odd days to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this,” he said, emphasizing the need for streamlined processes to foster stronger ties.
Indian Diaspora: A Force to Reckon With
The Indian diaspora has made remarkable contributions across sectors globally, particularly in technology and finance. Leading Fortune 500 companies have CEOs of Indian origin, including Sundar Pichai of Alphabet and Satya Nadella of Microsoft. In the financial domain, Ajay Banga and Gita Gopinath hold prominent positions, while Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice-President JD Vance, traces her roots to Andhra Pradesh.
The success of these individuals exemplifies the global impact of Indian talent and reinforces India’s push for facilitating legal migration.
Agreements to Promote Legal Migration
To advance its goals of legal migration and workforce mobility, India has signed multiple agreements with countries around the world. Labour Manpower Agreements with Gulf nations and Jordan enable the streamlined deployment of Indian workers to these regions.
Additionally, Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) have been signed with France, the UK, and Germany. These agreements cover short-stay visas and the mobility of students, researchers, and professionals, while also addressing irregular migration and human trafficking.
Other bilateral agreements include one with Japan on “specified skilled workers” and another with Portugal focusing on the recruitment of Indian workers. India is in ongoing discussions with Denmark, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Germany, Austria, and Australia to further expand such partnerships.
Conclusion
India’s proactive stance on promoting legal migration and accepting deported nationals aligns with its vision of leveraging its global workforce for economic and diplomatic gains. With the support of a strong diaspora and strategic agreements with partner countries, India aims to ensure its talent receives maximum exposure while addressing the challenges posed by illegal migration.
This approach not only strengthens India’s global standing but also underscores the pivotal role of its skilled workforce in shaping international collaborations and fostering mutual growth.