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India Charts Migration Future: National Consultation Preps for 2026 Global Forum

The Ministry of External Affairs organized a National Consultation on India's initiatives under the Global Compact for Migration as part of preparations for the 2026 International Migration Review Forum. The event brought together government, international organizations, academia, and civil society to discuss safe, orderly migration and migrant protection. Deliberations highlighted India's alignment with GCM objectives, including ethical recruitment, migrant welfare, and skills mapping. The consultation also saw the launch of the PRAYAS report, focusing on the international mobility of Indian youth and skilled professionals.

Key Points: India's National Consultation on Global Migration Compact Initiatives

  • Preparations for 2026 Migration Review Forum
  • Focus on safe & ethical migration pathways
  • Launch of PRAYAS youth migration report
  • Whole-of-society approach to migration governance
2 min read

MEA holds National Consultation on India's initiatives under Global Compact for Migration ahead of IMRF 2026

India holds national consultation on Global Compact for Migration, focusing on safe migration and diaspora engagement ahead of the 2026 IMRF.

"ensuring that migration and mobility remain drivers of opportunities, inclusion, and sustainable growth - Official Press Release"

New Delhi, February 12

The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and the Indian Council of World Affairs, organised a National Consultation on "India's Initiatives on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration" in the capital on February 9, according to an official press release.

The consultation is part of India's preparatory process for the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), scheduled to be held in May 2026.

Secretary (CPV & OIA), MEA, Sripriya Ranganathan; United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Stefan Priesner; Additional Secretary (EP&W), Ministry of External Affairs, Prashant Pise; and Head of IOM India, Sanjay Awasti, participated in the inaugural session.

According to the release, the event was attended by representatives from central and state government ministries, international organisations, academia, civil society and the private sector, underscoring India's whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to migration governance.

The Consultation focused on three broad thematic areas: ensuring migration that is voluntary, safe, orderly and regular; strengthening protection, integration and sustainable development outcomes for migrants; and promoting value-driven, evidence-based policymaking and international cooperation on migration.

The deliberations highlighted India's initiatives aligned with most of the GCM's objectives, including fair and ethical recruitment, facilitating regular migration pathways, migrant welfare and grievance redressal, skills mapping for returning migrants, diaspora engagement, and data-driven policy support.

India joined the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in 2018 and participated in the first International Migration Review Forum held in 2022.

On this occasion, the PRAYAS mapping report on International Migration and Mobility of Indian Youth, Skilled Professionals, and Students was launched. The report is an initiative of IOM India in partnership with MEA and ICWA. PRAYAS study focuses on India's skilled young professionals and students to pursue overseas opportunities safely and effectively, ensuring that migration and mobility remain drivers of opportunities, inclusion, and sustainable growth, the press release said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see India taking a leadership role on the global stage regarding migration. The PRAYAS report sounds interesting - mapping the mobility of our youth is key for planning. We need to ensure our skilled workforce is protected from exploitation abroad. 🇮🇳
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Aman W
While the consultation is a good initiative, I hope it translates to concrete action. Many blue-collar workers still face huge challenges with recruitment agents and working conditions in Gulf countries. The "whole-of-society" approach must include their voices too.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with returning migrants, the mention of 'skills mapping' is vital. Many come back with incredible experience that isn't recognized here. Integrating them effectively can be a huge boost to our economy. Kudos for focusing on that.
K
Karthik V
Important to have these discussions. Our diaspora is one of our greatest strengths. Engaging with them systematically and ensuring safe pathways for new migrants aligns with our civilizational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. The world is indeed one family.
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Nikhil C
The collaboration with IOM and UN is good for credibility. However, I respectfully hope the 'data-driven policy support' is transparent and publicly shared. Often these high-level consultations feel distant from the ground reality of migrant workers in states like Kerala, Punjab, or UP.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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