In a joint effort to enhance safe and regular migration between India and the European Union (EU) and to counter irregular migration, smuggling of migrants, and human trafficking, officials from both sides engaged in discussions on Friday.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement, highlighting the talks held within the framework of the 7th India-EU High Level Dialogue on Migration and Mobility. Chaired by Anurag Bhushan, Additional Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation in the field.
The statement emphasised the recognition of the enduring bilateral relations and the 2016 Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility signed between India and the EU. Both parties acknowledged that coordinated migration management benefits the economic, social, and cultural development of both India and the EU.
Additionally, they expressed mutual interest in facilitating labour mobility and ensuring decent work within existing legislative frameworks and respective national competences.
In light of the expanding human capital in India and the evolving demographic and labour market requirements of the European Union (EU), both parties acknowledged the pressing need for closer collaboration on mobility, the statement reported.
During discussions, Indian and EU representatives explored collaborative measures to prevent and combat irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking within the bounds of their respective legislative frameworks and applicable international laws. The statement underscored the commitment of both sides to enhance cooperation in the repatriation of irregular migrants.
Additionally, they commended the accomplishments of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, operational between 2017 and 2022, for its significant contributions to facilitating migration and mobility between the two regions.
