ICMPD, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), organised a two-day State Engagement Programme in Guwahati, Assam on 12-13 February 2026. Titled Linking India-EU Migration Opportunities and the Northeast Corridor, the dialogue strengthens cooperation on safe, orderly, and regular migration and mobility between India and the European Union and its Member States.
With support from the India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Assam, and the EU, the programme was organised under Phase II of the India-EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (CDMM) project, funded by the EU. Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of the Government of Assam, was Guest of Honour.
Key speakers included Shri Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam; Ms Gina Uika, Joint Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare) at the Ministry of External Affairs; Ms Michiko Miyamoto, ILO Country Director in India; and Dr Surabhi Singh, Country Coordinator for ICMPD in India.
A series of discussions focused on practical pathways and safeguards for mobility, including:
- Legal migration pathways and available opportunities
- Visa processes and compliance requirements
- Skills needs in EU labour markets
- Pre-departure information and worker preparedness
- Risks linked to irregular migration, including fraudulent recruitment
Representatives from various EU Member States, including Italy and Germany, joined stakeholders from government, industry, academia, recruitment agencies, and skilling institutions. Participants also represented Northeastern states including Assam, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Manipur.
Effective migration initiatives depend on making reliable, accessible information available to migrants, while strengthening cooperation among central authorities, state stakeholders, and European partners. Through initiatives such as this, ICMPD and its partners continue advancing safe, informed, and legal mobility between India and the European Union, with a focus on expanding awareness and opportunity for India’s Northeast Corridor.Dr Singh of ICMPD underscored in her opening remarks
A dedicated outreach session at IIT Guwahati also highlighted education and mobility opportunities for Indian students and researchers in EU Member States. Representatives from the EU Delegation to India, Germany, and Italy engaged with students on informed study and career pathways in Europe.
