Overview
On May 8, 2026, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, met the Director General of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to discuss ways to broaden regular migration channels for India. The talks were held on the sidelines of the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), currently taking place at the United Nations headquarters.
Key Developments
- Discussion on expanding and diversifying regular migration pathways, reflecting India’s proactive stance on GCM implementation.
- Engagement with Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, focusing on the Canada‑India Migration Initiative and skilled‑workforce mobility.
- Meeting with Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, described by the minister as “productive”.
- Delivery of India’s national statement at the IMRF plenary and a side‑event titled “Leveraging Digital Innovation in Migration Governance‑The e‑Migrate Experience of India”.
Important Facts
The delegation, led by Kirti Vardhan Singh, arrived in New York on May 3, 2026, and will participate in the IMRF from May 4‑8, 2026. IOM, established in 1951, remains the principal UN‑related agency dealing with migration, offering humanitarian aid, managing flows and supporting displaced populations globally.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the role of IOM and the GCM is essential for GS‑2 (International Relations) as they illustrate India’s mu