India Pushes for Inclusive Migration Framework, Stronger Action Against Human Trafficking at UN

India has called for a more inclusive, humane and future-ready global migration system while stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to tackle irregular migration and human trafficking at the United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing the plenary session of the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) under the Global Compact for Migration, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said migration must be viewed through the lens of people, their aspirations, resilience and contributions to societies worldwide.

Singh said India follows a “holistic and pragmatic” migration framework focused on migrant protection, safe mobility pathways and international collaboration. He noted that India is home to one of the world’s largest diasporas, with more than 34 million overseas Indians , while also remaining the world’s top recipient of remittances .

The minister said India has signed bilateral mobility agreements and MoUs with 23 countries and is negotiating several more to promote fair, ethical and regular migration channels. He emphasised that safe and legal migration pathways are essential to protecting migrant welfare and curbing exploitation and trafficking networks.

Highlighting India’s digital migration governance initiatives, Singh referred to platforms such as the e-Migrate system , Passport Seva portal, MADAD grievance redressal mechanism and Migrant Resource Centres, which provide assistance and protection to Indians abroad. He also noted that the Indian Community Welfare Fund has offered emergency aid, legal support and repatriation services since 2009.

During his visit to New York, Singh also met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and called for a more agile and effective United Nations capable of addressing emerging global migration challenges.

A recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the India-UAE and India-US corridors were among the world’s top migration routes in 2024, with India receiving USD 137.67 billion in remittances last year.