India, ILO Sign MoU to Boost Global Job Opportunities for Indian Youth

Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, virtually attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of India and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for collaboration in developing an International Reference Classification of Occupations (IRCO). The MoU was signed in Geneva by Shri Arindam Bagchi, Ambassador and Permanent Mission of India, and Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the ILO.

The landmark agreement is expected to facilitate Indian youth in availing global employment opportunities, by improving recognition of Indian skills and qualifications in international labour markets.

Addressing Global Skill Shortages

A number of advanced and emerging economies are facing significant skill shortages, partly due to demographic deficits and the rapid pace of digitalization. During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, leaders had committed to strengthening regular, skills-based migration pathways. One of the key outcomes was support for the development of an international classification framework to ensure comparability of occupational skills across countries.

The MoU signed with ILO represents a major step in operationalising this global commitment, bridging skill gaps internationally while enhancing opportunities for Indian workers abroad.

Mandaviya: Shared Commitment to the Future of Work

In his address, Dr. Mandaviya described the MoU as a shared commitment between India and the ILO to shape the future of work in a period of rapid transformation.

“The International Reference Classification will enhance comparability of data and promote mutual recognition of skills,” he said.

He also drew attention to India’s steady progress toward greater formalisation of the economy, with major initiatives designed to expand formal employment and social protection.

Employment and Skilling Initiatives in India

Highlighting India’s domestic agenda, Dr. Mandaviya spoke about the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 12th Independence Day address. The scheme aims to create over 35 million formal jobs in the next two years, offering a major boost for youth employment and expanding social protection coverage.

He also noted India’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to strengthen labour markets and worker welfare. At the recent International Labour Conference, India showcased two major digital public goods:

• National Career Service (NCS) Portal – a job-matching and career guidance platform

• e-Shram Portal – a national database of unorganised workers, facilitating social security inclusion

“These digital initiatives hold great potential for cross-learning and adaptation by other member states,” he said, proposing a dedicated session in collaboration with ILO to share India’s digital innovations with the global community.

ILO’s Endorsement and Global Impact

ILO Director General Mr. Houngbo welcomed the agreement, noting that it would have a far-reaching impact for countries worldwide, especially those struggling with workforce shortages. He praised India’s contributions in areas of labour mobility, skills recognition, and social protection.

Expanding into Green, Digital, and Care Sectors

During the event, Secretary (Labour & Employment) Ms. Vandana Gurnani underlined that the MoU provides a framework for undertaking a feasibility study and pilot exercises in priority areas such as the green economy, digital technologies, and the care sector. These are widely seen as the fastest-growing areas for global employment in the future.

She added that the MoU paves the way for wider collaboration with ILO, creating opportunities for Indian workers to seamlessly integrate into global labour markets.

A Step Toward India as the “Skill Capital of the World”

The signing of this MoU is more than a technical reform — it represents India’s ambition to become a trusted source of skilled manpower for the world. With youth constituting a major share of its workforce, India is uniquely positioned to supply future-ready talent to economies facing demographic decline.

By enhancing global competitiveness of Indian graduates and expanding recognition of Indian qualifications, the initiative will not only open up international opportunities but also consolidate India’s reputation as a global hub for high-quality education and skilling.

Looking Ahead

As the world of work undergoes rapid transformation, the India–ILO collaboration on the International Reference Classification of Occupations is expected to serve as a global benchmark for skill recognition. For Indian youth, it signals a future where opportunities abroad are more accessible, and for partner countries, it ensures a reliable, well-trained, and adaptable workforce.