The Ministry of External Affairs, in partnership with the European Union and the Government of Assam, organised a State Engagement Programme titled “Linking India–EU Migration Opportunities and the Northeast Corridor” in Guwahati on February 12, 2026, under the India–EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (Phase II).
The programme formed part of the broader Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility project, implemented by the Indian Council of World Affairs, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and the International Labour Organisation in support of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility jointly adopted by India and the European Union in 2016. The initiative sought to strengthen cooperation on regular migration, mobility and the prevention of irregular migration along the India–EU corridor.
Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, attended the event as chief guest. Speakers included Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam; Gina Uika, Joint Secretary for Emigration Policy and Welfare; Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the International Labour Organisation; and Dr Surabhi Singh, Country Coordinator of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development. Representatives from the European Union and its member states were also present and delivered remarks.
Officials from the Governments of Sikkim, Nagaland and Manipur attended the programme, along with representatives of industry associations, recruitment agencies, skilling institutes and academic institutions from the region.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment to the 2016 Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility and highlighted opportunities for prospective migrants from the North-East to access European labour markets through legal pathways. Participants also discussed skilling requirements aligned with destination countries in the European Union.
A student outreach event also conducted at IIT Guwahati on February 13, 2026, to raise awareness about student mobility opportunities in EU member states. Representatives from the EU Delegation, Germany and Italy were set to address students on accessing higher education and career opportunities in Europe and making informed decisions regarding study and professional pathways.
