External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the necessity of a global workforce during an event in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. He stated that many countries cannot fulfill their labor demands solely from their own populations, highlighting a pressing reality that cannot be ignored. "You cannot run away from this reality," he remarked, addressing the challenges posed by national demographics.

Dr. Jaishankar's comments come amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies under US President Donald Trump, particularly the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, which predominantly affects Indian professionals. He advocated for a more contemporary and efficient model of a global workforce that can be distributed across various locations.

He noted, "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 you look at demographics, demands cannot be met in many countries purely out of national demographics."

The minister also discussed the evolving landscape of international trade, suggesting that countries will need to forge new partnerships and trade arrangements. He stated, "We will see, as part of this re-engineered world, countries which will make decisions which they may not have made in other circumstances."

Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of technology and trade in shaping global relations, asserting that it is now easier to trade due to improved infrastructure and digital interfaces. He pointed out that India's Digital Public Infrastructure is viewed as more practical by many countries compared to Western models.

In the context of global uncertainties, he stressed the need for larger nations to enhance their self-reliance. He explained that multi-polarity must be actively constructed through national strength and experience. "When you build national capacities and have national experiences, some of it is transposable to other people who may relate to it," he added.

Dr. Jaishankar concluded by addressing the complexities of global supply chains and the need for resilience against market access uncertainties. He stated, "The entire economic chain has become far more riskier or far more difficult to assume in many ways," underscoring the challenges faced by nations in today's unpredictable environment.