External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar says India must prepare workers for AI-driven industries
June 30, 2026: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said India must prepare its workforce to meet the changing demands of the global job market, particularly in sectors shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the green economy. Speaking at the launch of the two-day Human Resource Mobility Forum, he stressed that governments, industries, educational institutions, and international organisations must work together to anticipate future workforce requirements. The forum focuses on legal migration opportunities and connects Indian job seekers with employers from Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia.
Jaishankar said AI and automation will transform labour markets by creating new job categories while reducing demand for certain traditional roles. At the same time, sectors such as healthcare and caregiving will continue to see rising demand, especially in countries with ageing populations. He emphasised the importance of continuous learning, skill adaptation, and international recognition of qualifications so that Indian professionals remain globally competitive in both emerging and conventional industries.
Highlighting India’s growing role in global talent mobility, Jaishankar said the country has signed 28 migration and mobility agreements with 26 nations, with several more under negotiation. He also underlined the need to tackle illegal migration, human trafficking, and fraudulent recruitment practices. External Affairs Ministry Secretary Sripriya Ranganathan described India as a trusted partner in meeting global workforce demand, stating that demographic changes across many countries present new opportunities for demand-driven mobility partnerships that benefit workers, employers, and economies alike.