'Will institutionalise care for Indians living abroad': Jaishankar reiterates Centre's commitment

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering Indian citizens abroad, as well as focusing on legal mobility, while speaking at the launch of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) initiative on Tuesday in New Delhi.

“We’ve sought to institutionalize taking care of Indians abroad; only then will our workers gain full confidence and explore global opportunities,” the EAM said. While highlighting the recent evacuation operations involving Indians abroad, Jaishankar stated that our citizens expect to be backed up in “difficult situations.” “It can be a cultural situation if the rights of Indians are not adequately respected,” said the minister, adding that such issues are gaining salience in India’s diplomatic dialogues.

The minister, however, emphasized the need to crack down on illegal immigration while encouraging and supporting legal ones. “It’s pertinent to look at how we can adjust to the demands of the global workplace,” said EAM.

Jaishankar also discussed the global semiconductor industry, saying, “We’ve seen semiconductor projects slow down globally due to the unavailability of talent. This is an opportunity for Indians.”

While stressing the need for a focused approach to exploring opportunities for Indian talent, the minister acknowledged that the country has not fully leveraged its human resources in the past.

He highlighted vast employment opportunities for Indians in the healthcare sector abroad, stating, “Possibilities of employment in the healthcare sector can be explored extensively abroad for Indians. Countries such as Japan, Israel, Mauritius, Malaysia, and Germany have shown interest in tapping into India's human resources pool.”

Jaishankar also mentioned that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the two major countries that currently have Indian workers, apart from the US and UK. He said that Indian citizens are already securing openings in the renewable energy sector and in water or product transmission segments.

The EAM noted that Japan has advocated for an action plan that will create a concrete and predictable flow of Indian workers to the country. Mauritius also has a similar demand, as do Spain and Greece. “This is just the tip of the iceberg; we must prepare for what is at the bottom,” he added.

Additionally, the Minister pointed out the growing global interest in establishing capability centers in India, signaling the emergence of sustainable talent creation in the country. "We have now entered a cycle of sustainable talent creation," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of maximizing India's human capital for future growth.

At the same event, Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India, said that 23% of Italy’s population is over 65, and by 2050, it will be 34%. Therefore, there is a great opportunity for Indians there, in services, trade, restaurants, and the hotel & hospitality sector, said Bartoli.

German Ambassador to India Philip Ackermann said that huge efforts are being made in Germany to attract Indian workers, from Delhi & Kerala. “We need to streamline the process and educate workers to acquire basic knowledge, especially in the nursing sector,” he said.