Spain-India Forum: Every second or third youth out of ten in global workforce would be Indian, says MEA Secy

Within a decade, every second or third youth out of ten in the international workforce would be an Indian, the Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West), Sanjay Verma said on Wednesday.

Addressing the third edition of the Spain-India Forum in New Delhi on Wednesday, he said while underscoring the migration mobility agreement “Within a decade or so, every third or every second youth out of ten in the international workforce would be an Indian. So here what I’m directly referring to is the migration mobility agreement, which we are struggling for the Spanish government to consider.”

#WATCH | Delhi: At Spain India Forum, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma says, “Within a decade or soon, every third or second youth out of 10 in the international workforce will be an Indian. I’m directly referring to the migration mobility agreement… pic.twitter.com/5O9HPo3azT

— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2023

India has signed the migration mobility agreement with Portugal, the UK, Germany, Italy and Austria. Verma said “Austria is supposed to be one of the most difficult countries to deal with on migration issues. So if we can do it with several other countries, I think it’s Spain. If you are pushing the Spanish language, then you can’t say, all right, we will stop it. Migration doesn’t work. It just doesn’t land up.”

He further stressed the need to take hard calls. “I think we will have to all get-up and take hard calls. The proposed observatory is a fantastic idea. I will personally keenly follow what its outcomes will be, need to be shared and could be a model for other countries as well.”

The MEA secretary also highlighted that India is adding almost USD 500 billion to the economy every 18 to 20 months. “Our demographic profile, the averages being around 30, is also fulfilling both the demand and supply sides of the economic equation, not just for ourselves but for the world,” he added.

He further stressed that the Indian youth are better equipped, skilled and linguistically gifted. “For example, the demographic deficit, which will visit several parts of the world, particularly Europe, it’s there where Indians can come in because our youthful population aspirational better equipped, better skilled, interculturally more comfortable and linguistically gifted,” he stated.

Leading to this, Verma highlighted the importance of the Spanish language. “And in that context, the Spanish language becomes important. You have our support in sort of landing that in a much larger or getting a much larger footprint in India. Because the Indian youth will move. It is a matter of time.

“Later, Juan Ignacio Entrecanales, Chairman of Spain India Council Foundation expressed delight to be there at the inauguration of the third edition of the Spain Indian Forum. The previous two were held in Madrid in 2014 and 2017 and were focused on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy.