Parliament Question: India–EU co-operation framework

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2326 ANSWERED ON 12/03/2026 INDIA-EU CO-OPERATION FRAMEWORK

2326. DR. KAVITA PATIDAR DR. PARMAR JASHVANTSINH SALAMSINH SHRI RAJIB BHATTACHARJEE SHRI BABURAM NISHAD

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) how the Ministry proposes to ensure safe and regulated migration pathways under the India-EU co-operation framework;

(b) whether there are any plans to align skill development initiatives in the North Eastern Region

(NER) with labour market requirements of European countries;

(c) the measures taken to prevent irregular migration while promoting lawful mobility channels;

(d) whether student outreach initiatives are being institutionalised to expand awareness about higher education and professional opportunities in Europe; and

(e) if so, what specific opportunities are available for students from NER? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a to e) During the recent India-EU summit held on 27 January 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding on a Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility between India and the European Union was signed. The MoU seeks to ensure safe and regulated migration pathways by facilitating structured legal mobility for highly skilled workers, students, researchers and seasonal workers; streamlining visa and immigration procedures; promoting fair and transparent recruitment;

enabling long-stay visas and residence permits, including post-study and post-research stay for employment or entrepreneurship; strengthening cooperation on skills development and recognition of qualifications; enhancing information exchange on labour market needs; and reinforcing joint action against irregular migration, including cooperation on return and readmission.

The establishment of a Joint Working Group and a pilot European Union Legal Gateway Office initially for the ICT sector in India will support implementation through regular monitoring and provision of reliable guidance on legal migration pathways.

The Government of India is engaging with various States, including the North East to strengthen skill development initiatives in a manner that enhances overall employability and responsiveness to evolving labour market requirements.

Bilateral comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements/MoUs (MMPAs) establish structured frameworks for mobility and collaboration between India and partner countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Austria, Italy, Denmark, and the European Union.

1These agreements outline clear and legal pathways for migration, aiming to harness India’s demographic dividend by facilitating the mobility of students, academics, and professionals. In addition to existing national visa provisions, they include India-specific arrangements such as youth mobility schemes, extended post-study work opportunities, longer-duration business visas, and intra- corporate transfer visas. At the same time, MMPAs detail procedures for bilateral cooperation in addressing irregular migration, including mechanisms for return, readmission, and measures to prevent misuse and irregularities, thereby promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Government of India accords high priority to student outreach initiatives, particularly with the view to safeguard their interests and welfare in foreign lands. Indian Missions/Posts maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities. Embassy officials visit universities and educational institutions in their jurisdictions to interact with Indian students and student associations, brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas and also assess any issue concerning the credibility or quality of courses being pursued. Several Indian Missions also issue formal advisories for Indian students under their jurisdiction aimed towards protecting their interests, welfare and safety in foreign lands.

State engagement activities were organised in Guwahati on 12-13 February 2026 to generate awareness and disseminate information on opportunities for student mobility in the EU. The sessions also addressed risks of irregular migration and fraudulent recruitment practices to ensure safe and informed mobility. State representatives from Sikkim, Nagaland, and Manipur participated in the workshop.

This Ministry also organises “Videsh Sampark Programmes” where the States are apprised of the various Diaspora Engagement Initiatives, including consular, visa, and safe and legal migration pathways and student mobility.

With the view to ensure effective communication and timely support, Indian students abroad are encouraged to register with the local Indian Mission/Post and on the MADAD Portal of this Ministry.

They are also urged to join the Whatsapp Groups for Indian students created by Indian Missions/Posts so that their grievances can be resolved on a real-time basis. Indian Missions/Posts also engage in addressing concerns of Indian students abroad through telephone calls, emails, walk-ins, social media, 24×7 emergency helplines, Consular Camps and Open Houses. Complaints related to misleading academic programmes or adverse experiences are promptly taken up with the concerned educational institutions and, when required, with authorities of the host country for necessary action.

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