Shobha Karandlaje Pushes Labour Cooperation at Geneva Conference

The minister's participation highlighted India's focus on inclusive growth, gender equality, social dialogue, and international cooperation in labour-related matters.

Shobha Karandlaje holds key meetings with global counterparts

India strengthened its international engagement on labour, employment, and workforce development during the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, with Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje leading the Indian delegation.

The minister's participation highlighted India's focus on inclusive growth, gender equality, social dialogue, and international cooperation in labour-related matters. Alongside conference discussions, she held a series of bilateral meetings with labour ministers from several countries to explore opportunities for collaboration in employment services, skill development, workforce mobility, and digital governance.

India and Nepal deepen partnership on skills and labour mobility

During a meeting with Nepal's Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment, Ramjee Yadav, both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in skill development, labour mobility, and digital technology sharing.

Nepal praised India's digital labour platforms and employment-related digital initiatives. India reiterated that Nepal remains an important partner under its "Neighbourhood First" policy and emphasized the shared goal of improving employment opportunities and worker welfare across both countries.

The discussions reflected the close relationship between India and Nepal and their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas that directly benefit workers and job seekers.

Digital employment systems draw global interest

India's progress in building digital public infrastructure emerged as a key theme during several bilateral engagements. In talks with Angola's Minister of Public Administration, Labour and Social Security, Teresa Rodrigues Dias, discussions focused on labour and employment cooperation, vocational training, workforce planning, social protection, and digital governance.

Angola expressed interest in learning from India's digital platforms and sought support in developing similar systems. India offered technical assistance and capacity-building support for creating digital tools related to employment services, worker registration, job matching, and skills development.

A similar interest was expressed by Mauritius during Karandlaje's meeting with Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Muhammad Reza Casam Uteem. The minister highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries, while Mauritius acknowledged India's achievements in digital transformation within the labour and employment sector. India also reaffirmed its willingness to provide technical support and share expertise in developing digital employment solutions.

Apart from these bilateral meetings, Karandlaje interacted with labour ministers from France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. Discussions focused on creating legal pathways for skilled migration from India through mutual recognition of qualifications and demand-driven skill development programs.

The engagements underscored India's growing role in shaping international conversations around employment, workforce mobility, and digital innovation while expanding opportunities for Indian workers in global labour markets.