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The labour ministry has urged the ministry of commerce to incorporate Social Security Agreements as a critical component in ongoing and future FTA talks, including with UK and US
India currently has bilateral Social Security Agreements with 22 countries. The inclusion of such provisions in trade frameworks will provide both economic and social safeguards for the Indian diaspora. Representational image
With over 94 crore Indians—nearly 64% of the population—now covered under various social security schemes, India’s expanding welfare net is poised to become a strategic asset in global trade talks.
The ministry of labour has urged the ministry of commerce to incorporate Social Security Agreements (SSAs) as a critical component in ongoing and future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, including those with the UK and the US.
It is learnt that union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared this with his cabinet colleague, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, in a meeting a couple of days ago.
“We have urged the ministry of commerce to take into consideration our request in their negotiations with the US…It is our duty to protect the interests of Indians who are working overseas also…Social security is a very vital aspect,” Mandaviya told CNN-News18.
Such agreements aim to protect Indian professionals working abroad—particularly in Indian companies—from dual social security contributions and potential welfare disadvantages in host countries. More importantly, they will ensure smoother access to social benefits when these professionals return to India.
India currently has bilateral Social Security Agreements with 22 countries. The inclusion of such provisions in trade frameworks will provide both economic and social safeguards for the Indian diaspora. The government of India also wants to explore such agreements with even those countries with which it does not have FTAs.
In a significant endorsement, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has acknowledged that 64% of India’s population is now covered under some form of social protection. This global recognition strengthens India’s position in FTA discussions, underscoring its progress toward inclusive development and reinforcing its case for more equitable terms in international partnerships.
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