The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan, recently organized the Videsh Sampark Program in Jaipur to strengthen coordination between the Centre and the State on diaspora engagement, consular services, safe migration and international cooperation.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues related to the welfare of the Indian diaspora, with particular emphasis on the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, including students.
Participants also deliberated on the Ministry’s initiatives relating to consular, passport and visa services, collaborative efforts to promote safe and legal migration and mobility, and opportunities to enhance business, investment, employment and international engagement for Rajasthan.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The discussions focussed upon strengthening coordination between MEA and the State Government of Rajasthan in the spirit of cooperative federalism to foster diaspora engagement, support to Indian students abroad, promote safe and ethical migration and to promote trade and investment ties.”
Launched by the MEA in 2017, the Videsh Sampark Program is an outreach initiative aimed at fostering closer engagement with State Governments and Union Territories on issues relating to the Indian diaspora, consular services and international cooperation.
The program was co-chaired by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA), MEA, and V Srinivas, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, in Jaipur. Senior officials from the MEA and Rajasthan Government, the Regional Passport Officer, Jaipur, business leaders, recruiting agents, and stakeholders from the education sector also participated in the event.
