The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, says India through its flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme has trained no fewer than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries, since inception.

The ITEC Programme was launched by the Indian Government on Sept. 15, 1964.

Balasubramanian stated this on Friday in Abuja at the 2023 ITEC Day, celebrated every Sept. 15 and gives a unique opportunity for ITEC Alumni to reconnect.

The envoy who highlighted the cordial bilateral relations between India and Nigeria, said the programme was one of the ways of fostering cooperation among partner countries.

“The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is the leading capacity building platform of the Ministry Of External Affairs, Government of India, instituted in 1964.

“ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building having trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both the civilian and defence sector.

“ITEC is about cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. It is response-oriented, and it addresses the needs of developing countries.

“India possesses rich experience in the field of economic development as well as manpower skills and technology suited to the geographical and ecological conditions of partner countries,” he said.

The envoy underscored the need for both countries to continue to explore areas of mutual interest, noting that the programme
is based on the belief of shared growth and prosperity.

Earlier in his remarks, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, thanked India for sustaining the laudable initiative over the years.

He said Nigeria was willing to deepen cooperation with India, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s robust engagements at the just concluded G20 summit in India.

ITEC alumni took turns to share their experiences in India and how they can use it to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

The occasion was attended by ITEC alumni, diplomats, defence attaches and professionals from all walks of life.