Indian Council of World Affairs

Distinguished Experts, Students and Friends,

1.  Let me begin on a somewhat unconventional note—by referring to a recent blockbuster Bollywood film, Dunki. That a widely watched film, led by India’s most-selling actor Shahrukh Khan, chose to centre its story on international migration and perils of irregular migration reflects the growing relevance and resonance of this subject in broader public discourse.

2.  In one scene particularly relevant to today’s discussion, the hero Shahrukh Khan is asked by the authorities of the destination country to surrender his Indian passport to apply for asylum on the grounds of persecution back home. Since he is the hero, he refuses, holding firm to his faith in his homeland, while his friends falsely cite persecution back home in the hope of greener pastures. This moment in the movie highlights the layered realities and moral dilemmas in migration decisions. It reminds us that no single narrative can capture the full spectrum of motivations. Dominant narratives however often reduce migration to a story of unwanted but essential labour—overlooking the pursuit of cross-cultural interface, tolerance, dignity and human spirit.

3.  It is in this context that today’s panel has been curated—to unpack the complexity of migration and mobility narratives in 2025, and to reflect on how they are shaped by diplomacy, academia, policy, and media. At ICWA’s Centre for Migration, Mobility and Diaspora Studies, we felt it was important to explore how structured narratives often frame migrants in binaries: heroes or threats, contributors or burdens. These narratives not only reflect public opinion—they shape it, and influence policy choices, international cooperation, and societal perceptions.

4.  I wish to outline five key considerations that are central to rethinking migration and mobility narratives today: 

• First, we need to draw a distinction between the terms “migration” and “mobility”. “Migration” typically refers to permanent change in residence or citizenship, while “mobility” refers to temporary, cross-border movement. While promoting outward migration cannot obviously be a conscious policy choice of Governments, promoting mobility can surely be for any open society. A distinction between these two terms helps greater clarity in policy formulation for meeting distinct objectives. This distinction—documented, for instance, through a self-declaration of intent to migrate permanently or to return to one’s family in home country at the time of embarking on the journey —can aid more effective governance. Let’s make people think for themselves. People planning to move abroad have to be urged to make their intentions clearer while the authorities at both ends have to be urged to try to better understand their aspirations and/or bonding with families and home country. This distinction also helps reduce the exploitation of those caught in legal and administrative limbo in destination countries i.e. those who are neither returning home nor are fully accepted at destination.
  
  
• Second, the focus on ‘mobility’ aligns with the broader idea of the “Global Workplace”, a vision endorsed by both Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. With globalization and increased global connectivity, a Global Workplace is a new reality. India very much wants to be part of this evolving global workforce through ethical, structured pathways. India’s Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) with foreign partners are intended to facilitate temporary, circular mobility for students, professionals, and contractual workers, while encouraging skill and talent return to contribute to the objectives of the vision of a Developed India by 2047, the centenary of its Independence from colonialism, or Viksit bharat[at]2047.
  
  
• Third, greater attention must be paid to circular mobility as a transformative narrative. It allows individuals to work or study abroad temporarily, return with enhanced skills, transmit the skills to others back home, and re-engage periodically in future cycles. For this model to succeed, international cooperation is key - destination and origin countries must cooperate—through burden sharing in skilling, ethical recruitment, simplification of procedures, and reintegration mechanisms. Contract flexibility i.e. the option to change employers is equally essential. There is scope to reimagine short-term mobility as a system that enables individuals and the national eco-systems to realise their fullest potential.
  
  
• Fourth, and most critically, we must place migrant well-being and well-being of the mobile individuals at the heart of our discourse in both home and destination countries. Migrant well-being is not only about employment! It also includes dignified working and living conditions, social protection, and legal safeguards. Yet, prevailing narratives often undermine these goals. Terms like “illegal migration” in political and media discourse tend to criminalise people and obscure the real drivers of movement. The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) offers an important corrective—advocating for the use of “irregular migration” as a neutral, structured term that upholds dignity. Constructive narratives, fostered by governments, academia, civil society, and media, are therefore also essential to shaping policy responses that prioritise well-being and inclusion.
  
  
• Fifth, well-being of the internationally mobile individuals must also be viewed in relation to the well-being of their left-behind families back home. Migration and mobility impacts not just individuals, but entire households. Left-behind families often face emotional strain, disrupted caregiving, and social adjustments. Policy must respond—through initiatives such as scholarships for children, social protection for elderly parents or dependents through innovative financial instruments, and community-based support systems. Migration and mobility must be seen not as an isolated act, but as one that reshapes the social fabric of families and communities.

5.  India is being currently approached by many countries demanding skills, labour, and students. Many Indians also wish to pursue livelihoods or studies in foreign lands. Here, we have to make careful assessments. What, after all, is the price of giving up family warmth to go to work or study abroad? What is the price of living on a foreign land as a foreigner and not as a first rate citizen in your own land? People are any country’s most important and most precious asset. People must be the beginning and end of any policy related to migration or mobility, be it in the destination or the country of origin. Obligations and responsibilities of destination countries are as important as the obligations and responsibilities of countries of origin and cooperation is key. Why we should not, for instance, ask for full assimilation and inclusion of people of Indian origin in the countries of their citizenship?

6.  There are lessons to be learnt from the recent repatriation of irregular Indian migrants from the US. Prospective migrants especially in states like Punjab where a US, UK or Canadian visa is considered to be akin to a lifeline have to rethink in light of changing realities and the churn in global migration debate. The eco-system of fraudulent agents and agents that mislead have to be dealt with as a law and order issue pan-India. The signals from the world are loud and clear – it is not business as usual. We have to build an eco-system that facilitates international worker, talent and student mobility based on cooperation between countries that ensures an individual’s acceptance and dignity. Narratives that exaggerate the benefits of migration need to be countered by more objective ones.

7.  The Global Compact of Migration agreed to in 2018 is a forward looking document. It is based on ‘common understanding, shared responsibilities and unity of purpose’. India welcomes and appreciates its role in promoting a human rights-based approach to migration governance. Looking forward, we hope that the ongoing Regional Reviews of GCM taking place across different regions of the world will lead to more balanced and implementation-oriented ideas — enabled through the collective efforts of governments, academia, civil society, and media.

8.  With these thoughts, I invite Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharya, Chair of today’s panel, to take forward what promises to be an enriching and thought-provoking discussion.

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