As India is supposed to chair the Colombo Process for the first time for 2024-26 term, let us discuss on how it will affect India and why is it so important?
- First of all, let us understand that Colombo process is a delegation/collaboration of 12 member states from Asia. Its member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Veitnam.
- It was established in the year 2003.
- Its aim is to make migration process easier amongst member countries. This means that any person can travel and settle to the other country without too much hassle.
- Overseas employment is the major agenda behind this organization.
- The Colombo Process is also known as Regional Consultative Process on the Management of Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin in Asia.
Now, if we talk about how being chairperson of this summit can affect India, we have to take note of following points:
- The diplomatic advantage of having an upper say amongst member countries.
- As China is also one of the member and also has lots of manufacturing facilities, so it can be obligated by the Chair to accommodate foreign employees, thereby increasing employment in India.
- Tourism will automatically get a boost.
- Student visa norms may get easier in member countries.
- It may boost up growth levels of our economy.
- Inflow of foreign direct investment
- It will raise brand image and value of our county throughout the world.
- International Media coverage
- Infrastructure Investment
The history of diplomacy dates back to treaties between different cities of Mesopotamia dating back to 2850 B.C.E. The treaties were signed through wall writing at that time. First embassy was established in Italy in 14th century.
So, every country tries to gain hold on this art of maintaining diplomatic relations even when everything around seems wrong. So, it is a good sign that India is chairing a global summit.