India and the European Union held the 9th High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (HLDMM) in New Delhi, where both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and discussed new initiatives to strengthen the movement of professionals, students, and skilled workers between the two regions. The meeting, held on Wednesday, underscored that migration and mobility remain a core pillar of the India-EU Strategic Partnership.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and the EU expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the India-EU Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM), which has guided joint initiatives on legal migration pathways, student exchanges, skills partnerships, and efforts to curb irregular migration.

A key focus of the talks was the proposed Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, aimed at expanding opportunities for Indian professionals and improving coordination on migration governance. The EU also presented its plan to establish a pilot European Legal Gateway Office in India, envisioned as a one-stop hub offering information and support for Indians seeking to work in the EU—initially targeting the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

India welcomed the proposal, noting that streamlined processes and transparent pathways would help unlock the full potential of talent mobility. Both sides agreed that facilitating the movement of skilled professionals is essential for innovation, economic growth, and addressing labour market needs across Europe.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Prashant Pise, Additional Secretary in MEA’s Emigration, Policy and Welfare Division, and Johannes Luchner, Deputy Director-General in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs. Diplomats from EU member states, as well as officials from key Indian ministries—including Home Affairs, Health, Skill Development, Commerce, Labour, and Education—also participated.

The discussions were aligned with priorities outlined in the EU Council’s Joint Communication on A New Strategic India-EU Agenda, adopted in September 2025, which identifies mobility as a major frontier for expanding cooperation.

India and the EU also agreed to convene the next round of the HLDMM in Belgium on mutually convenient dates.

The meeting followed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s engagement with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Tuesday in Niagara, Canada, on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The two leaders discussed strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership, including cooperation on global governance and Indo-Pacific issues.