Earn 10x More by Crossing Borders? New Indian Government Push Makes It Possible

India Unveils GATI Foundation to Boost Global Mobility of Skilled Workforce

A Big Step Towards Making India the World’s Talent Hub

India has launched a groundbreaking new initiative to help more Indians find skilled jobs abroad. The Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation was officially launched on Tuesday by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary. The aim is clear: position India as a global hub for skilled talent and create structured, ethical pathways for Indians to work overseas.

Why GATI Foundation Matters Right Now

Global economies are facing a severe shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers. High-income countries are projected to need 45–50 million workers by 2030, creating a massive opportunity for countries like India that have a young and skilled population.

The GATI Foundation, incubated by The Convergence Foundation, Manish Sabharwal, and the Godrej Foundation, plans to address this gap through partnerships between governments, businesses, and non-profits. The idea is to help Indian talent meet global demand through safe, legal, and well-regulated migration pathways.

Leaders Speak: Why the GATI Launch Is a Gamechanger

Dr. S. Jaishankar: Talent Must Be Upgraded and Deployed Globally

At the launch event, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of skill development and the need to identify global opportunities. He said:

“There is a demand in the world and an availability in India. The groundwork is done to enable Indian talent to gain global access. GATI will help structure that access in a dignified and impactful way.”

Jayant Chaudhary: Let’s Build a Global-Ready Workforce

Minister Chaudhary emphasized the need for the skill ecosystem to be flexible and forward-looking:

“With technologies evolving rapidly, the skill ecosystem must be agile, inclusive, and globally aligned. GATI will help bridge the gap between what global industries need and what India can offer.”

India’s Migration Potential: 700K Today, 2.5 Million Tomorrow

Ashish Dhawan: Time to Expand Beyond the GCC

Ashish Dhawan, CEO of The Convergence Foundation, revealed that around 700,000 Indians migrate for work each year, and about 60% go to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, GATI aims to expand this number to 2 to 2.5 million annually, targeting more diverse global job markets.

This shift could have a huge financial impact. If successful, India could push remittance inflows up to $300 billion annually. These remittances go directly to Indian households, improving education, healthcare, and consumption, and reducing poverty in a meaningful way.

Ethical, Circular, and Smart Migration: A Triple Win

Manish Sabharwal: GATI Is About Mobility, Not Just Migration

Vice-Chairman of TeamLease Services, Manish Sabharwal, pointed out the need to change the narrative:

“We must move the debate from illegal to legal migration, from citizenship to work. Countries cannot avoid inflation or meet care-work needs without welcoming skilled foreign workers.”

He emphasized that well-designed guest worker programs can support global prosperity over the next two decades.

10x Salary Jump Across Borders GATI Says It’s Possible

Omar Momin: “Smart Economics, Transformative Development”

Omar Momin, CEO of the Godrej Foundation, summed it up with a powerful point:

“In many cases, the same person can earn up to 10 times more just by working in another country. GATI promotes global labour mobility that fills skill gaps, boosts Indian prosperity, and gives workers dignity and opportunity.”

The Way Forward: GATI’s Advisory Powerhouse

GATI is backed by an elite advisory board, including:

• Arti Ahuja, former Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment

• Nihal Chauhan, CEO, Indo-Pacific Advisory

• Shriya Sethi, Operating Partner, The Convergence Foundation

• Representatives from Godrej Foundation

This board brings credibility and experience to the table, ensuring GATI remains aligned with ethical recruitment practices and long-term goals.

Key Focus Areas for GATI

1. Government-to-Government (G2G) Partnerships

Working directly with foreign governments to develop transparent and fair migration systems for Indian workers.

2. Ethical Recruitment

Ensuring Indian workers are not exploited and are hired through legal and supportive frameworks.

3. Industry-Led Skill Development

Partnering with businesses to train Indian workers in high-demand global skills.

4. Circular Migration Pathways

Designing temporary and returnable migration models where workers can gain skills abroad and later return to India with better prospects.

 India’s Global Talent Moment Has Arrived

With the launch of the GATI Foundation, India is embracing a future where talent exports become as important as goods exports. By helping millions of Indians gain better-paying jobs abroad, this initiative can transform individual lives, uplift families, and boost the Indian economy through remittances and global visibility.

If India can scale and execute GATI effectively, it won’t just fill skill shortages abroad—it could redefine how the world thinks about migration, workforce development, and international partnerships.