The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme, popularly known as ‘ITEC’, was instituted on 15^th September, 1964, as a bilateral programme of assistance of the Government of India with partner developing countries.

Under ITEC, 161 countries in Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries are invited to share in the Indian developmental experience acquired over seven decades of India’s existence as a free nation.

ITEC is response oriented and addresses the needs of developing countries. As a result of different activities under this programme, there is now a visible and growing awareness among other countries about the competence of India as a provider of technical know-how and expertise as well as training opportunities, consultancy services and feasibility studies. These programmes have generated immense goodwill and substantive cooperation among the developing countries.

The ITEC Programme has the following components:

• Training (civilian and defence) in India of nominees from ITEC partner countries
• Projects and project related activities such as feasibility studies and consultancy services
• Deputation of Indian experts abroad
• Study Tours
• Gifts/Donations of equipment at the request of ITEC partner countries
• Aid for Disaster Relief (ADR)

ITEC is the flagship programme of the Indian Government’s capacity building effort, not only because of its magnitude and wide geographical coverage but also for innovative forms of technical cooperation. Training or capacity building is one of the major activities, as part of which professionals and people from developing countries are offered unique training courses, both civilian and defence, in different centres of excellence in India which empower them with not just professional skills, but prepare them for an increasingly globalized world. Since its inception in 1964, India has trained thousands of trainees in ITEC/SCAAP partner countries.

ITEC-EDII Association

EDII’s association with Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, started in 2000-2001. Over these 21 years of fruitful association, the Institute has organized 169 training courses [165 short-term (6/8 weeks) and 4 long-term (2-year Post Graduate course), encompassing various facets of entrepreneurship/investment promotion and groomed 4058 professionals across the world. Representatives from 137 ITEC countries have participated in these courses which not only build the skill capacities of officials but also focus on strengthening bilateral and regional ties with ITEC countries.