MEA Highlights Steps to Protect Indians Abroad

An interactive meeting in honour of Mr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Former Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India was organised by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) at the World Trade Center Mumbai. Mr. Mulay said, “I suggest industry bodies and chambers of commerce to engage continuously with Indian and foreign embassies for crucial interventions to promote cross-border trade and industry. Diplomats can also play an important role in rectifying trade imbalance between countries.”

“Chambers of commerce must connect start-up enterprises and new entrepreneurs with Embassies abroad so that they can tie-up with business partners abroad,” he suggested.

Mr. Mulay emphasized that Indian enterprises must monetize their traditional brands by securing geographical indications and commercializing them in foreign countries.

“Last year, the portal received more than 40,000 complaints and they are resolved at the rate of 80-85%, which is the highest grievance redressal rate among all the departments of Government of India”, Mr. Mulay added.

Mr. Mulay said, “The ministry has introduced several safeguard mechanisms to protect the safety and security of maids, nurses and blue collared Indian workers migrating abroad for employment. Some of these measures include mandatory security deposit from foreign employers, reforming licensing system for registered recruitment agents in India, expediting legal action against erring agents, introducing portal for Indian workers in Gulf countries, running shelters for blue collared Indian workers in Gulf countries etc. To protect Indian students abroad, Indian diplomats have been mandated to hold periodic interactions with student groups and conducting periodic visits to foreign universities through a committee of diplomats of countries.”

Mr. Mulay said, “In 2014, Government of India has set up ‘states division’ under his Ministry to engage with state governments and incorporating their concerns and suggestions in foreign diplomacy. In the days ahead, the government aims to have at least one passport office in every Lok Sabha constituency. In order to encourage tourism sector, Government of India has introduced e-visa facility for nationals of 165 countries without reciprocal arrangement.”

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “Greater engagement in foreign trade and exchange of knowledge and technological knowhow can enhance economic growth.”

Top Photo:

From (L-R): Captain Mr. Somesh Batra, Ms. Rupa Naik, Mr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Mr. Sharad Upasani and Mr. Y. R. Warerkar.