India holds National Consultation ahead of International Migration Review Forum 2026
New Delhi, February 12. India convened a National Consultation on its initiatives under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), as part of preparations for the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) scheduled for May 2026.
The consultation, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) here on February 9, brought together key stakeholders to assess progress and outline priorities in migration governance.
The inaugural session was attended by Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the MEA, Sripriya Ranganathan; United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Stefan Priesner; Additional Secretary (EP&W) in the MEA, Prashant Pise; and Head of IOM India, Sanjay Awasti.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on February 12, the event saw participation from representatives of central and state government ministries, international organisations, academic institutions, civil society groups and the private sector, reflecting what officials described as India’s “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach to migration management.
Deliberations centred on three key themes: ensuring migration that is voluntary, safe, orderly and regular; enhancing protection frameworks, integration measures and sustainable development outcomes for migrants; and advancing value-driven, evidence-based policymaking along with international cooperation.
Participants highlighted India’s efforts aligned with most of the GCM’s objectives. These include promoting fair and ethical recruitment practices, expanding regular migration pathways, strengthening migrant welfare and grievance redressal systems, mapping the skills of returning migrants, deepening diaspora engagement, and leveraging data to inform policy decisions.
India joined the Global Compact in 2018 and took part in the first International Migration Review Forum in 2022. The upcoming IMRF in May 2026 will provide an opportunity for member states to review implementation and share best practices.
On the sidelines of the consultation, the PRAYAS mapping report on the international migration and mobility of Indian youth, skilled professionals and students was formally launched. The study, undertaken by IOM India in partnership with the MEA and ICWA, examines trends and pathways for young Indians pursuing opportunities abroad. It aims to ensure that overseas mobility remains safe, structured and conducive to opportunity, inclusion and sustainable growth.
The consultation is expected to feed into India’s national submission and engagement at the IMRF, underscoring the country’s commitment to shaping global migration governance in a balanced and development-oriented manner.
