‘A period of profound transformation in global economy; de-risking a priority’: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday stressed the need for de-risking amid a period of profound economic transformation.

Speaking at the launch of the European Legal Gateway Office in India, Jaishankar said the current phase of churn in the global economy is throwing up several challenges, including reconfiguration of supply chains and reshaping of work due to technological innovations, including artificial intelligence.

Advertisement

According to the minister, the global workforce is an emerging reality, and it provides an opportunity to countries that establish a connection between talent flows and opportunities legally and fairly.

“We are living through a period of profound transformation in the global economy. De-risking is a growing priority. Supply chains are being reconfigured. Technology is reshaping work. Demographics are diverging sharply across geographies. The concept of a global workforce is an emerging reality. Countries that can connect talent flows with seizing opportunity, while ensuring legality, transparency and fairness, will be best positioned to navigate this transition,” the EAM said, as per news agency ANI.

Speaking at the launch of the European Legal Gateway Office in India.

https://t.co/xrPaBM2W6I

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 18, 2026

Referring to the ongoing AI Impact Summit in Delhi, Jaishankar said India has organised the global event with a focus on recognising AI’s unique capacity to bridge divides, amplify growth, enable social progress and deliver solutions on scale.

Speaking on the recent fillip given to the India-EU ties through the just-concluded mega trade deal, the foreign minister said the European Legal Gateway Office will not just be a facilitation for entry of Indians into Europe, but it will act as “a bridge between our societies, an expression of our trust, and an investment in a shared global workforce that is skilled, mobile and resilient.”

The minister described the 27-member European Union as a natural and preferred partner for India with a shared future.

“The conclusion of negotiations for an India-EU FTA, the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, along with the other concrete outcomes of the 16th India-EU Summit, have put forward a roadmap for our shared future. The adoption of the towards 2030 Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda at the Summit really opens up a new chapter in our ties, a chapter towards mutual prosperity, security, and sustainability,” he added.