India is a founding member of the ILO and has been a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body since 1922. The first ILO Office in India opened in 1928. Today, the ILO Country Office for India and Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT) for South Asia is a centre of technical excellence, which supports all countries in South Asia to realize decent work for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The Decent Work Country Programme for India 2023 - 2027, formulated and adopted by the constituents at the national level through a process of tripartite consultation, is the framework for ILO’s assistance to constituents in the country. The ILO’s country programme for 2023-27 is closely aligned to UN Sustainable Development Framework.

The three identified priorities are:

1. Promote the International Labour Standards and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, strengthen social dialogue and support constituents for effective policy responses.
2. Ensure full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including through formalization and just transition.
3. Promote and strengthen institutions to enable all workers, especially those who are marginalised and vulnerable, to improve their employment outcomes and progressively achieve universal social protection.