India-EU migration: Focus on Northeast corridor
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” under the India-EU Cooperation and Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (Phase II) in Guwahati, Assam on 12 February 2026.
The CDMM project is being implemented by Indian Council of World Affairs, International Centre for Migration Policy Development and International Labour Organisation, in support of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, jointly adopted by India and the European Union in 2016, to strengthen cooperation on regular migration, mobility, and the prevention of irregular migration along the India-EU corridor.
The Chief Guest of the event was Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam. Speakers included Shri. Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam; Ms. Gina Uika, Joint Secretary, Emigration Policy and Welfare; Ms. Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director, ILO; and Dr. Surabhi Singh, Country Coordinator, ICMPD. Representatives from EU and its member states were also present and made their remarks.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Governments of Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur and eminent members from industry associations, recruitment agencies, skilling institutes and academic institutions from the region. This State Engagement Programme affirmed the commitment to the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, signed in 2016, and opened up opportunities for prospective migrants from the North-East region to access the labour markets through legal pathways and discussed the skilling requirements needed for destination countries in the EU.
A student outreach event is also being organised at IIT Guwahati on 13 February 2026 to generate awareness and disseminate information about the opportunities for student mobility in EU member states. Representatives from the EU Delegation, Germany and Italy will present on how students can access opportunities and make informed decisions about their study and career paths in the EU.
