Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, PM Modi Interacted with the Alumni of ITEC Courses

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program was instituted in 1964. The ITEC program has benefited over 160 countries worldwide. Important Details of ITEC Program are discussed below.

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Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC): The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program is an initiative by the Government of India to provide capacity building and training opportunities to individuals from partner countries. It aims to share India’s expertise and knowledge across various sectors to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2- International Relations- Various government initiatives to strengthen Bilateral Relations between India and Other Countries).

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) in News

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi engaged with a group of alumni from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) courses during his participation in the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held recently in Port Moresby.

These alumni hailed from various Pacific Island Countries and consisted of esteemed government officials, accomplished professionals, and influential community leaders.
Having received training in India through ITEC, they have successfully utilized their acquired skills to make significant contributions to their respective societies.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program Details

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program is a bilateral assistance program launched by the Government of India in 1964. The program aims to provide training and capacity-building opportunities to professionals from developing countries, including technical personnel, administrators, managers, and policymakers.

Objective: The primary objective of the ITEC program is to share India’s expertise and technical know-how with partner countries, promoting mutual cooperation and fostering goodwill.
Scope: The ITEC program covers a wide range of areas, including information technology, rural development, renewable energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship, public administration, banking, healthcare, and English language training.
Support: India provides scholarships and fellowships to participants, covering their travel expenses, accommodation, living allowance, and course fees.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Activities

Under the ITEC program, eligible participants from partner countries are selected and offered various training courses, workshops, and seminars conducted by reputed Indian institutions. The program also facilitates short-term specialized training, project consultations, and study tours.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Performance

ITEC stands as one of the oldest structured initiatives for international capacity building. It has provided training to over 200,000 individuals from more than 160 countries, encompassing both civilian and defense sectors.

Since 2014, India has extended nearly 100,000 high-quality capacity building trainings and scholarships to individuals worldwide.
These opportunities include studying at esteemed institutions in India, providing participants with a chance to immerse themselves in Indian culture and experience its renowned hospitality.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ITEC program remained steadfast in its commitment to sharing India’s developmental expertise with the world.
It adapted by delivering online healthcare and governance training to approximately 10,000 professionals through digital platforms.

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Significance

The program has been successful in building the skills and capacities of professionals from partner countries, enabling them to contribute to the development efforts in their respective nations.

The ITEC program has played a significant role in strengthening the technical and economic cooperation between India and partner countries.
It has helped foster diplomatic ties, promote cultural exchange, and enhance bilateral trade and investment.
Through this program, India has extended its support to numerous countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and Eastern Europe.
In addition to the ITEC program, India has also established other initiatives to support technical and economic cooperation, such as the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship program.
These programs further contribute to India’s efforts in sharing its expertise and resources for the development and progress of partner nations.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) – Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) – Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals

FAQs

What is the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program?

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program is an initiative by the Government of India to provide capacity building and training opportunities to individuals from partner countries. It aims to share India's expertise and knowledge across various sectors to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

When was the ITEC program instituted?

The ITEC program was instituted in 1964.

What is the objective of the ITEC program?

The main objective of the ITEC program is to offer training, skills development, and capacity building opportunities to professionals and officials from partner countries. It aims to enhance technical cooperation, foster goodwill, and strengthen diplomatic relations between India and other nations.