Remarks by Ambassador at ITEC Day 2026
Hotel Hilton, Tashkent; March 6, 2026
- It is an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program – ITEC. Since 1964, ITEC has been one of the cornerstones of India’s foreign policy, rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. We view this partnership as a partnership of shared knowledge and mutual growth.
- As we look at our bilateral relationship, the ITEC numbers tell a story of extraordinary momentum. Over the 30-year history of our partnership, more than 2,700 Uzbek professionals have participated in ITEC. However, the most striking statistic is this: over 1,100 of those candidates, nearly 43% of our historical total, were trained in just the last five years. This massive acceleration signals that India and Uzbekistan are not just partners; we are accelerating together into a new era of capacity building.
- ITEC is uniquely designed for working professionals and government officials. When an ITEC scholar returns from India, they bring back expertise that is immediately applied to Uzbekistan’s home institutions.
- People often ask: “Is ITEC keeping up with the times?” My answer is a resounding yes. While we continue to offer our world-class traditional courses in banking, finance, and management, we have pivoted sharply toward the future. In the last two years, Uzbek professionals have been training at prestigious institutes like IIT Kanpur in courses like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Digital Health, Robotics, Big Data, and Solar Energy. We are ensuring our cooperation is as modern as the new Uzbekistan itself.
- I am particularly proud to highlight our progress in gender inclusivity. For the second year in a row, more than 40% of our participants have been women. This is not a coincidence; it is a consistent reflection of our shared “Empowered Woman” initiatives and commitment to inclusive growth.
- To meet this growing demand, India currently offers nearly 200 slots per year for Uzbekistan. And let me be clear: while we have set numbers, our commitment is flexible. If the requirement grows, we are fully prepared to increase these seats to match your ambitions.
- Sixty-one years ago, ITEC began as a small seed. Today, it has grown into a massive tree of cooperation. The fact that nearly half of our three-decade success has occurred in just the last five years proves that our best days are ahead of us. To our ITEC alumni – you are the permanent bridges connecting our two great countries. We wish you all success in your future endeavours.
- I am happy to inform you that the Embassy of India in collaboration with the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan, is organizing the second edition of women-centric Indian Film Festival ‘Sashakt Nari-Celebrating Womanhood’ showcasing five films – featuring women in lead roles overcoming challenges and adversities through courage and resilience. The film screenings will be held from March 13-15, 2026 at the Palace of National Cinematic Art, 15 Alisher Navoiy, Tashkent. You are all invited to attend.
Wishing you all a Happy ITEC Day once again!
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