New Delhi: India on Monday flagged off its first-ever contingent to the WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025, to be held from November 27-29 in Chinese Taipei.

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary led the send-off ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

The Indian team, fielded by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), comprises 23 competitors and 21 experts who will participate in 21 skill categories. Over 500 competitors from nearly 40 Asian countries are expected to take part in the event, spread across 38 skill areas.

Addressing the contingent, Chaudhary said the participants represent India's emerging strength as a global skills leader. He commended their months of rigorous training supported by sector skill councils, industry partners and NSDC, and expressed confidence that the team would help realise the vision of making India the “Skill Capital of the World”.

Competitors were selected through the multi-tier IndiaSkills Competition 2024, the country's largest skill championship. The team represents a diverse range of new-age and traditional skills including digital technologies, mobile robotics, mechatronics, CNC milling, web development, automotive repair, fashion technology, graphic design and beauty therapy.

MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee said India's debut at WorldSkills Asia marks a significant milestone in its skilling journey and reflects sustained efforts to align training and assessment systems with global standards.

The shortlisted candidates have undergone five months of intensive, industry-led training with institutions such as JK Cement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, LTA Academy of Beauty, Mahindra University, WGSHA and Iraj Evolution Design Company. A four-day readiness programme, including psychometric tests, communication training, mindfulness, nutrition guidance and travel preparedness, was also conducted by WorldSkills India.

The participation underscores India's commitment to global benchmarking and world-class technical education under the Skill India Mission, with NSDC leading implementation and competitor development.