<h3>Overview</h3>
<p>At the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) – A UN‑convened platform (2026) for member states to discuss migration trends, policies and cooperation (GS2: Polity)">Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF)</span> held in New York from 4‑8 May 2026, <strong>Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh</strong> reiterated India’s people‑centric approach to migration. He stressed that mobility is a permanent feature of a dynamic global economy and that India’s policies are anchored in dignity, inclusion and protection of its nationals abroad.</p>
<h3>Key Developments</h3>
<ul>
<li>Strengthening of consular services to provide legal, financial and insurance assistance to overseas Indians.</li>
<li>Launch of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian Community Welfare Fund – A government‑run fund that supports welfare projects for Indian diaspora, especially in emergencies (GS3: Economy)">Indian Community Welfare Fund</span> and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="MADAD portal – An online platform that offers real‑time assistance and grievance redressal for Indian migrants (GS3: Economy)">MADAD portal</span> for vulnerable migrants.</li>
<li>Conclusion of 27 migration and mobility agreements with 23 countries, emphasizing skill‑based mobility, worker welfare and fair recruitment.</li>
<li>Utilisation of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Digital Public Infrastructure – Integrated digital platforms that enable delivery of public services, data sharing and governance (GS3: Economy)">Digital Public Infrastructure</span> such as the <span class="key-term" data-definition="eMigrate system – A government portal that streamlines migration processes, from visa issuance to tracking of migrant workers (GS3: Economy)">eMigrate system</span>, <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Career Service portal – A web‑based service that matches job seekers with opportunities, including overseas postings (GS3: Economy)">National Career Service portal</span> and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Skill India Digital Hub – A digital ecosystem that offers skill‑development courses and certification aligned with global standards (GS3: Economy)">Skill India Digital Hub</span>.</li>
<li>Pre‑departure orientation programmes and up‑skilling through <span class="key-term" data-definition="Skill India International Centres – Physical centres that provide industry‑relevant training to Indian workers for overseas deployment (GS3: Economy)">Skill India International Centres</span>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Facts</h3>
<p>India has signed 27 migration‑related agreements with 23 nations, creating structured pathways for skilled labour. The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration – UN‑led framework that sets standards for humane migration management (GS2: Polity)">Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration</span> serves as the guiding principle for these arrangements. Digital tools have reduced exploitation by enhancing transparency and enabling real‑time monitoring of migrant workers.</p>
<h3>UPSC Relevance</h3>
<p>Understanding India’s migration governance is vital for GS 2 (International Relations) and GS 3 (Economy). The policies illustrate how India balances sovereign interests with multilateral commitments, a recurring theme in questions on foreign policy and global governance. The emphasis on digital infrastructure aligns with the broader UPSC focus on e‑governance and technology‑driven service delivery.</p>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Minister Singh acknowledged persistent challenges: strengthening social protection, addressing vulnerabilities and improving data systems. He called for deeper bilateral cooperation, ethical recruitment practices and continued expansion of digital platforms to ensure that migration remains a choice backed by opportunity and dignity.</p>
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