India Post issued this commemorative postage stamp on 22nd January 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

India was a founding member of the ILO during its inception in 1919, and the ILO recognised India as a founder state 28 years before it achieved independence.

Over the past century, India has actively participated in the ILO's efforts to promote workers' welfare, uphold labour standards, and ensure social protection. The well-established tripartite system in India, involving the government, employers, and workers, is central to the ILO's consultative process. To commemorate the ILO's centenary, India Post decided to issue a special postage stamp, highlighting the country's commitment to the organisation's objectives.

As of 2025, India has ratified 47 ILO Conventions and 1 Protocol, including core human rights conventions like the Forced Labour Convention (1930). India and the ILO’s long-standing association underscores India's commitment to promoting decent work, enhancing social protection, and fostering dialogue on labour-related issues, which has been instrumental in shaping labour policies and improving the lives of workers in India.

Dr P. Pillai was an economist and League of Nations official who served as the first director of the ILO’s India Office (1928). He was also the first Indian to join the League of Nations Secretariat. Dr. Pillai played a crucial role within the ILO, serving as an important bridge between the organisation and India. Before his retirement, Dr. Pillai served as India’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1947.