In a stirring address at the CII Annual Business Summit 2024, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar illuminated the burgeoning significance of Indian skills and talent on the global stage. Highlighting a paradigm shift in the world’s approach, Jaishankar elucidated how developed nations are increasingly keen on forging mobility agreements with India.
“In the era of a knowledge economy, the role of Indian skills and talent is also being reassessed. The nature of technological advancement is itself creating greater demand. But there is also the reality of demographic shortages in developed countries. These trends are manifesting themselves right now in an interest across the world to conclude mobility agreements with India,” remarked EAM Jaishankar.
Jaishankar emphasized the reciprocal nature of talent mobility, advocating for fair and transparent treatment of Indian talent globally. He underscored the imperative for India to bolster its skilling endeavors to align with the demands of an evolving global workplace, resonating with the Modi Government’s vision.
“Expanding the scale and quality of skilling at home becomes an even more urgent imperative. This is very much in line with the Modi Government’s thinking. They are supported by the spread of the innovation and start-up culture as well. Businesses too need to do their fair share in the upgrading of our human resources,” he added.
While elucidating India’s proactive stance in securing its citizens abroad, Jaishankar lauded the successful evacuation operations from conflict zones like Ukraine and Sudan. He articulated India’s aspiration to evolve into a global hub for innovation, research, and design, envisaging ‘Work in India’ as a pivotal tenet complementing the ‘Make In India’ initiative.
“However, as we contemplate the relevance of our talent with the importance of ‘Make in India,’ our goal is to make ourselves into a global hub for innovation, research, and design as well. ‘Work in India’ is the natural outcome, I would say, a supportive basis for ‘Make In India.’ But it will also have ‘Work for the World’ as its subset,” he added.
Addressing the global challenges precipitated by conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza, Jaishankar elucidated the multifaceted crises of fuel, food, and fertilizers gripping the world. In navigating these tumultuous waters, India’s approach intertwines the principles of ‘Bharat First’ and ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ – prioritizing national interests while advocating for global solidarity.
“It is this judicious combination of ‘Bharat First’ and ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ that defines our image as ‘Vishwa Bandhu,'” he concluded.
As India fortifies its position as a linchpin in the global arena, the resonance of its skills, talent, and humanitarian ethos reverberates far and wide, underlining a pivotal juncture in its trajectory towards global leadership.
