Embassy of India
Astana
The Embassy of India celebrated Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2024 in Astana on 17 October, 2024 at Radisson Hotel. More than 110 persons including ITEC alumni from diverse , including defence sector, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a few members of diplomatic corps, local educational institutions and media organizations, attended the event. H.E. Ms. Dinara Chsheglova, Vice Minister, Ministry of Science and High Education was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The celebrations commenced with the welcome remarks by Ambassador Dr. T. V. Nagendra Prasad and an Address by Chief Guest Dinara Chsheglova, Vice Minister, Ministry of Science and High Education. This was followed by presentations and sharing of experience of fond memories of their visit to India by ITEC alumni and videos on India-Kazakhstan relations.
2. Official presentation was followed by a special cultural program curated by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy showcasing the rich Indian cultural traditions and celebrating the spirit of festive season in India followed by a classical Kathak dance blended with melodious instrumental and vocal music of India.
3. ITEC was launched on 15th September 1964. It is the flagship programme of the Ministry of External Affairs under India’s development cooperation for capacity building with 160 partner countries and 13 multilateral agencies for training in about 1000 premier institutions in India every year. The training programme covers a wide range of subjects (for more details please visit https://www.itecgoi.in/meaportal/homepage). As part of the programme, India provides not only technical know-how and capacity building in civilian and defence spheres, but also project-related activities such as consultancy services, feasibility studies, deputation of Indian experts abroad, study tours, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
4. Kazakhstan has been India’s ITEC partner since 1992. Since then, more than 1460 professionals from Kazakhstan, comprising 1100 civilian participants and about 360 defence personnel have availed of the short term specialized capacity building training programmes offered under ITEC. To encourage more and more Kazakh citizens to participate in the ITEC Program, the Government of India has increased the training slots from 75 to 100 recently. ITEC has proved to be a medium in strengthening the bond of friendship between India and Kazakhstan.
18 October 2024 / ASTANA
