New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted India’s robust efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad, revealing that the country has evacuated 28,000 people from conflict zones over the past three years. Speaking at India’s World Annual Conclave 2025, Jaishankar emphasised that India cannot remain passive during international crises.
“In the last three years, after Ukraine and other conflicts, we have brought back roughly 28,000 people from various conflict zones,” he said. “For a country with millions working abroad, we cannot afford to be impassive. The moment a crisis arises, our systems are mobilised to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Jaishankar underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hands-on approach in ensuring the welfare of Indians overseas. He noted that PM Modi often visits workplaces and camps abroad, particularly in Gulf countries, setting the tone for government systems to prioritise citizen safety.
The minister also highlighted the growing importance of global mobility in the economy, stressing that legal and formal mobility benefits both countries and workers. He warned that irregular migration can fuel crime and exploitation, while structured mobility ensures better outcomes for individuals and nations.
Jaishankar outlined key factors driving international mobility: demographic gaps, demand for talent, and varying social attitudes toward different types of work. “Today, mobility is an increasingly important factor in the international economy,” he said.
He highlighted domestic improvements supporting overseas Indians, citing the MADAD portal which addressed 138,000 grievances in the Gulf region over the past three years. Passport services have also expanded, increasing from 77 locations to 545 across India.
On legislative reforms, Jaishankar announced that India is modernising its 40-year-old immigration framework through the proposed Overseas Mobility Bill, currently open for public feedback. He added that intergovernmental mobility agreements are becoming a vital diplomatic tool, while India is preparing its workforce to operate confidently in global workplaces.
