Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. V. K. Singh on Sunday said that global labour mobility should be part of the country’s economic diplomacy and the large demography of young people can be its strength.
Gen Singh was speaking at the maiden edition of Deccan Dialogue – Conference on Economic Diplomacy for Development - at ISB where he said that global labour mobility was in the country’s interest and there was a need to look at the subject from a bilateral perspective.
Advantage and challenge
“We have a large demography and young people, this is both an advantage and a challenge. It is an advantage if we use it properly and, a challenge, if we don’t look at it,” he said.
The Union Minister said that on the one had India could allay fears of countries, which required manpower, that there would be no illegal migration, and on the other, ensure that Indian workers were not exploited. “We can ensure both interests are served well,” he said, adding that the subject, however, was complicated.
Touching upon the state of Indian economy, he said that at a time when other parts of the world were witnessing ‘sluggishness’, the country was doing well. “We are at an all time high as far as FDI is concerned. The economy is at a bright spot,” he said.
‘Better coordination’
Underscoring challenges for diplomacy, Gen. Singh said there needed to be better coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“Our problem is that while diplomacy part is being pushed by one ministry, then, maybe, another ministry which is looking at the domestic market is trying to impose restrictions or something which will impact what is being pushed otherwise,” he said.
Describing China as a manufacturing hub, Gen Singh pointed out that while it was looking to secure its future energy requirements by moving ahead with its Belt and Road Initiative, it was blocking competitors, which included India.
IT Minister K T Ramarao, ISB Dean Prof Rajendra Srivastava, and ISB Executive Board memnber Srini Raju also spoke
The Hindu Business Line is the media partner for the event.
