India Intervention on GB.355/IN7

March 2026

The ILO in a changing multilateral environment: Towards better effectiveness and efficiency

Thank you, Chair.

India extends its compliments and offers its full support to the ILO on this critical review process. We align ourselves with the overarching objective outlined in paragraph 1: to enhance the Organization's effectiveness and efficiency in a challenging multilateral environment. A streamlined, agile, and resilient ILO is essential for advancing social justice through decent work.

India notes the proposed reduction of approximately 120 positions through attrition and, as a last resort, involuntary separations mentioned in paragraph 3. While we understand the need for efficiency, such fundamental restructuring must be undertaken with continuous and meaningful engagement of constituents and staff, respecting the framework for social dialogue outlined in paragraph 40. The retention of institutional expertise and maintenance of cutting-edge technical leadership must remain priorities.

On the critical issue of financial sustainability, we note with concern the serious risks outlined in paragraph 6 regarding the net deficit of US$53.5 million carried forward from 2024-25, and the cash flow pressures described in paragraph 8. A predictable and adequate budget is the lifeblood of the ILO's normative and technical work. We reiterate our concern regarding the financial and budgetary challenges facing the ILO and stress the need for prudent financial management.

We welcome the strategic vision presented in paragraphs 9-14, which reaffirms the ILO's constitutional mandate while strengthening its capacity to respond to profound transformations in the world of work. The focus on reinforcing the ILO's role as a global centre of excellence, backed by sound research and statistical work as emphasized in paragraph 12, is particularly important. In a context of rapid change and growing uncertainty, sound data, analysis and forward-looking diagnostics are essential to anticipate emerging issues and inform evidence-based policy advice to constituents.

We strongly reaffirm our support for the ILO's unique role in safeguarding the integrity of the international labour standards system, as emphasized in paragraph 16. These principles are the bedrock of social justice and must remain at the heart of the ILO's mandate, even as the Organization pursues efficiency gains.

As the reform advances the vision of an ILO firmly grounded in understanding regional realities referenced in paragraph 18, we must ensure that reinforced field capacity delivers context-specific policy advice to developing countries. Special consideration must be given to the distinct challenges facing developing countries.

The refocusing outlined in paragraph 32—concentrating on prevention, recovery and reconstruction through policy advice, institutional capacity-building and social dialogue, while refraining from direct humanitarian service delivery—reflects precisely where the Organization's comparative advantage lies.

Regarding the potential relocation of ILO functions, we note that paragraph 45 proposes putting such relocations on hold pending further assessment. However, we request the ILO to provide more information on the structured multi-criteria assessment framework referenced in Appendix III. Transparency in such evaluations is essential for informed decision-making by the Governing Body.

In conclusion, India offers its constructive support for this review process. We request the Director-General to provide an update on the implementation of the reform process at the 358th Session of the Governing Body in November 2026, as proposed in paragraph 65(d).

Thank you, Chair.