Global Workforce a Necessity, Says EAM S. Jaishankar Amid Trade and Visa Challenges

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday emphasized the need for a global workforce in today’s rapidly changing world, noting that national demographics alone cannot meet rising labor demands.

Speaking at an event titled “At the Heart of Development: Aid, Trade, and Technology” hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of creating a contemporary, efficient model of a distributed global workforce.

“Where that global workforce is to be housed and located may be a matter of political debate. But there’s no getting away. If you look at demand and demographics, demands cannot be met in many countries purely out of national demographics,” he said.

Jaishankar added that this evolving workforce will drive new trade arrangements and partnerships between countries, reshaping international economic dynamics. He also stressed that technology, connectivity, trade, and workplaces will transform rapidly, creating a “very different world in a very short term.”

The remarks come amid trade and tariff challenges and U.S. immigration policy changes, including a controversial hike in the H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000 under President Donald Trump. The increase, effective September 21, initially sparked panic among Indian professionals in the U.S., though a White House official later clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants.

Jaishankar underlined that in this turbulent global environment, large countries must build self-reliance capacities, a focus he said is central to India’s strategy.

This perspective links India’s diplomatic priorities with ongoing debates over immigration, skilled labor mobility, and international trade in the post-pandemic world.