State Engagement Programme under India EU CDMM: Linking India–EU Migration Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh (February 26-27, 2026)

The Ministry of External Affairs, in partnership with the European Union and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, organised a State Engagement Programme titled "Linking India-EU Mobility Opportunities with Uttar Pradesh" under the India-EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (Phase II) project in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on 26 February 2026. The CDMM-II project is being implemented by Indian Council of World Affairs, the International Labour Organisation, and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, under the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, jointly adopted by India and the European Union in 2016, to strengthen cooperation on regular migration, mobility, and the prevention of irregular migration along the India-EU corridor.

2. The chief guest of the event was Shri Anil Rajbharc, Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Speakers included Ms. Gina Uika, Joint Secretary, Emigration Policy and Welfare; Mr. Abhijit Chakraborty, Joint Secretary, Indian Council of World Affairs; Mr. Kunal Silku, Special Secretary, Labour, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. S. Rajalingam, Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi; Ms. Veronika Liskova, First Secretary, Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan; Mr. Eugenio Bortolusso, Head of the Consular Chancellery, Embassy of Italy; Ms. Radhika Sunger, National Project Coordinator, ILO and Dr. Surabhi Singh, Country Coordinator, ICMPD. Representatives from EU member states were also present and made their remarks. The event was also attended by eminent members from industry associations, recruitment agencies, skilling institutes and academic institutions.

3. This State Engagement Programme affirmed the commitment to the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, signed in 2016, and opened up opportunities for prospective migrants from Uttar Pradesh to access the labour markets through legal pathways in the EU and discussed the skilling requirements needed for destination countries.

4. A student outreach event was also organised at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on 27 February 2026 to generate awareness and disseminate information about the opportunities for student mobility in EU Member States. The keynote address was provided by Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, BHU. Representatives from the EU Delegation and Italy presented on how students can access opportunities and make informed decisions about their study and career paths in the EU.

New Delhi
March 06, 2026