India, Malaysia Strengthen Ties In Social Security, Employment And Labour Mobility

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) --  India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Malaysia in the fields of social security, employment and labour mobility, as part of wider efforts to expand global partnerships in these areas.

India’s Union Minister for Labour and Employment, and Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, held bilateral discussions with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong on the sidelines of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) World Social Security Forum (WSSF) held here recently.

According to a statement from the Indian High Commission here, Dr Mandaviya congratulated Malaysia on successfully hosting the forum, which reflected its commitment to advancing social security globally, and reiterated India’s readiness to support Malaysia’s labour market needs through its professional and skilled workers.

“Both leaders also underscored the importance of the India–Malaysia partnership, identifying strong potential for collaboration in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy and infrastructure,” it added.

India further reaffirmed its readiness to move forward on the proposed Memorandum of Collaboration between India’s Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), a process already initiated in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs.

At the same forum, Dr Mandaviya also met with the President of ISSA and PERKESO Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, where he highlighted India’s rapid expansion of social protection coverage — from 19 per cent in 2015 to more than 64 per cent in 2025, benefitting 940 million people.

The Minister noted India’s digital-first approach through platforms such as e-Shram and the National Career Service (NCS), which were welcomed by ISSA as models for global best practice.

Separately, Dr Mandaviya also held discussions with Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Ongom, focusing on talent mobility, digital infrastructure and strengthening economic ties, including in public works, agriculture and traditional medicine.

-- BERNAMA