Vol 27, No 1; by Basant Potnuru and Vishishta Sam; March 2015
In the absence of a multilateral framework and a rule based global structure for the governance of international migration of people in all its complexities, countries engage in bilateral or regional cooperation in an attempt to engage and harmonise international movements and strive for a win-win situation. India and the European Union (EU) are major trading partners and are engaged in a strategic Joint Action Plan with annual summit level talks. Both sides are on the cusp of a new beginning through the soon to be concluded Free Trade Agreement. The current paper examines if, and how, the bilateral relationship or engagement between India and the EU has historically evolved and influenced international migration flows between them, and what potential future challenges and policy options they face for a successful engagement and facilitation of movement of people.
India’s strategic position as a major country of origin for skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers, coupled with foreseeable requirements in the EU labour markets, warrants a closer inspection vis-à-vis policy initiatives that makes the exercise beneficial for both India and the EU. The international migration flows between India and Europe in the past have always been dependent on the quality and strength of engagement between the regions. Currently, the EU comparatively has a low profile in India when it comes to attracting the best of talent. The main challenge is to enhance the EU’s presence in India by greater participation, outreach and building of networks among academia, think tanks and the media. Easing of immigration policies for selective sectors of employment and education, which are of strategic concern, are important with measures for enhancement of students’ mobility, mutual recognition of degrees and skills, and a minimal window for long-term immigration and integration of third country migrant professionals and workers.
