India is expanding its global partnerships in social security, labour mobility, and digital protection frameworks, following a series of high-level meetings held on the sidelines of the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, led the Indian delegation and accepted the ISSA Award 2025 for “Outstanding Achievement in Social Security” on behalf of the Indian government.
India’s Social Protection Expansion Gets Global Recognition
In meetings with ISSA President Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman, who also heads Malaysia’s PERKESO, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s transformation in social welfare coverage — from 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025, now benefiting 940 million citizens.
He underlined India’s digital-first approach, spotlighting platforms such as e-Shram and the National Career Service (NCS) as tools for improving labour inclusion, skilling, and data-driven service delivery. ISSA lauded India’s swift progress and rising global representation in the association.
Strengthening Ties with Uganda and Malaysia
In a bilateral session with Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, H.E. Betty Amongi Ongom, both sides explored cooperation in telemedicine, traditional medicine, agriculture, and public works. Uganda expressed interest in replicating India’s digital public infrastructure to match talent with employment, especially platforms like e-Shram and NCS.
Later, in a dialogue with Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim Chee Keong, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated India’s readiness to support Malaysia’s labour market needs with its professional and skilled workforce. He also reaffirmed India’s interest in advancing a Memorandum of Collaboration between ESIC and Malaysia’s PERKESO, which is under review with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
India’s Call for Global South Leadership
India also advocated for Global South nations to lead the creation of model definitions for gig and platform workers, positioning itself as a champion of equitable frameworks in the digital labour economy. Malaysia, in turn, extended an invitation to Dr. Mandaviya for its Platform Workers Summit in 2026.
These engagements reflect India’s growing leadership in social protection and digital governance, as it partners with global institutions to co-develop inclusive models for workforce development and welfare delivery.
