MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh to lead India at UN Migration Forum in New York
Synopsis
India is sending Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh to lead its delegation at the Second IMRF in New York, where it will not only speak at the plenary but also host a side-event on its e-Migrate digital platform — positioning itself as a model for tech-driven migration governance on a global stage.
Key Takeaways
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh will lead India's delegation at the Second IMRF in New York from 4–8 May .
Singh will deliver India's national statement at the plenary session of the forum.
India will host a side-event on 'Leveraging Digital Innovation in Migration Governance — The e-Migrate Experience of India' .
The IMRF is the primary global platform for reviewing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) , a non-binding multilateral framework.
The forum will result in an inter-governmentally agreed Progress Declaration setting the direction for the next five years .
India had actively participated in the first IMRF in 2022 , contributing to outcomes on migrant community interests.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will lead the Indian delegation at the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), being held under the UN General Assembly in New York from 4 to 8 May, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday. The forum serves as the primary intergovernmental global platform for reviewing progress on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and its intersection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
India's Role at the Forum
Singh will deliver India's national statement at the plenary session of the IMRF. On the margins of the forum, India will also organise and host a side-event titled 'Leveraging Digital Innovation in Migration Governance — The e-Migrate Experience of India', showcasing the country's technology-driven approach to managing emigration.
Structure of the Second IMRF
The forum will comprise four interactive multi-stakeholder round tables, a policy debate, and a plenary session, preceded by an informal interactive multi-stakeholder hearing hosted by the President of the UN General Assembly (PGA) on 4 May. The proceedings are expected to culminate in the adoption of an inter-governmentally agreed Progress Declaration, which will set the direction for GCM implementation over the next five years.
Continuity from the First IMRF
The second quadrennial IMRF builds on the first edition held in 2022, in which India actively participated and, according to the MEA, contributed substantially to safeguarding and furthering the interests of its migrant community. The GCM itself is a non-binding framework covering all aspects of international migration and is reviewed through this forum every four years.
Bilateral Engagements on the Sidelines
During his visit to the United States, Singh is also likely to meet senior United Nations officials as well as ministers of other member states attending the IMRF, according to the MEA. These sideline meetings are expected to cover India's bilateral migration interests and broader diplomatic engagements with key partner nations.
The IMRF represents an important multilateral stage for India, which has one of the world's largest diaspora populations, to shape global migration governance norms in line with its national priorities.
Point of View
India has a direct stake in shaping GCM norms — yet the non-binding nature of the compact means outcomes depend heavily on diplomatic persuasion rather than enforceable commitments. The real measure of India's influence at the IMRF will be how much of its language on migrant welfare and digital governance makes it into the final Progress Declaration.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF)?
The IMRF is the primary intergovernmental global platform for reviewing progress on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), a non-binding multilateral framework. It is held every four years under the UN General Assembly and results in an agreed Progress Declaration.
Who is leading India's delegation at the Second IMRF?
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will lead India's delegation at the Second IMRF in New York from 4 to 8 May. He will deliver India's national statement at the plenary session.
What side-event is India hosting at the IMRF 2025?
India is organising a side-event titled 'Leveraging Digital Innovation in Migration Governance — The e-Migrate Experience of India' on the margins of the forum, highlighting its technology-driven emigration management system.
When and where is the Second IMRF being held?
The Second IMRF is being held from 4 to 8 May in New York, hosted by the President of the UN General Assembly. An informal interactive hearing precedes the main sessions on 4 May.
How did India participate in the first IMRF in 2022?
India actively participated in the first IMRF held in 2022 and, according to the MEA, contributed substantially to safeguarding and furthering the interests of its migrant community within the GCM framework.
