India and IOM Forge Stronger Ties to Boost Safe Migration and Mobility
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh and IOM Chief Amy Pope discuss ethical recruitment and safe migration pathways to expand opportunities for Indian workers.
In a significant move to enhance the safety and opportunities of Indian citizens moving abroad, India and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have held high-level discussions to strengthen their bilateral cooperation on India IOM migration cooperation. The talks, centered on migration and mobility, took place during an official visit to India by the Director General of the IOM, Amy Pope.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, met with Amy Pope to review ongoing initiatives aimed at deepening the partnership between India and the IOM. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), MoS Singh expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, noting that the discussions focused on further strengthening cooperation in the critical areas of migration and mobility.
The diplomatic engagement extended to other key officials within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs), also held talks with the IOM chief in New Delhi. Their conversation delved into global migration and mobility trends, exploring strategic ways to expand India's prospects and opportunities within the evolving global landscape.
Focus on Ethical Recruitment and Worker Safety
Beyond the MEA, the IOM Director General engaged with the Ministry of Labour and Employment. In a meeting with Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, the dialogue shifted toward the practicalities of labor migration. The two leaders discussed several pivotal points, including:
- Skills Recognition: Ensuring that the skills of Indian workers are formally recognized internationally to open more doors.
- Ethical Recruitment: Implementing protocols to prevent exploitation during the hiring process.
- Regular Labour Pathways: Establishing legal and structured channels for migration to safeguard workers while expanding their professional horizons.
Reflecting on these talks, Amy Pope emphasized that while skills provide the opportunity, the actual movement of people must be safe and beneficial. She highlighted the need for practical cooperation to protect workers and broaden their opportunities.
Grassroots Impact: The Chennai Visit
The visit was not limited to boardroom discussions. Amy Pope traveled to Chennai to interact directly with workers who benefit from IOM's support. She visited the Mobile Worker Resource Centres, which provide essential information and assistance to workers right where they live and work.
Pope noted that providing the right information at the right time can be life-changing for a worker. She credited private sector partners for helping the UN Migration agency extend this vital support to a larger number of workers.
A Continuing Partnership
This visit builds upon a foundation laid earlier this year. In May, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh and Amy Pope had met on the sidelines of the International Migration Review Forum 2026 in New York. During that encounter, they discussed the diversification of regular migration pathways and India's proactive stance in implementing the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), alongside various IOM activities currently operational across the country.