The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in partnership with the European Union and the Assam government, held a State Engagement Programme in Guwahati on February 12 to strengthen cooperation on migration and mobility under the India-EU framework.
Titled “Linking India-EU Migration Opportunities and the Northeast Corridor”, the event was organised under the India-EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (CDMM). The initiative seeks to promote regular migration pathways, enhance labour mobility, and prevent irregular migration along the India-EU corridor.
According to an official statement, the CDMM project is being implemented by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The programme supports the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility adopted by India and the European Union in 2016.
Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, attended the programme as Chief Guest. Among the speakers were Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam; Gina Uika, Joint Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare); Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director, ILO; and Surabhi Singh, Country Coordinator, ICMPD.
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Representatives from the EU and its Member States, as well as officials from the governments of Sikkim, Nagaland and Manipur, participated in the discussions. Stakeholders from industry associations, recruitment agencies, skilling institutes and academic institutions across the North-East were also present.
The engagement focused on creating legal and structured migration channels for prospective migrants from the North-East region. Discussions highlighted the need to align local skilling initiatives with labour market requirements in European Union countries, ensuring that candidates meet destination-country standards.
The MEA stated that the programme reaffirmed commitment to the India-EU Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility while opening up new avenues for safe and regular migration.
As part of the outreach, a student engagement event was organised at IIT Guwahati on February 13 to raise awareness about higher education and career opportunities in the EU. Representatives from the EU Delegation, Germany and Italy addressed students on pathways for academic mobility and informed decision-making regarding study and employment prospects in Europe.
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