High Commissioner of India’s speech on ITEC Day Celebrations

Honorable Minister for Public Service HE Mr Mabulala Maseko, Hon’ble Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation HE Sen.Pholile Shakantu, National Police Commissioner HE Mr Vusi Manoma Masango, Representative of UEDF Commander and other senior officers, distinguished civil servants, ITEC Alumni, Friends of the Media, my own colleagues from the High Commission, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar and Sanibonani to everyone,

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to today's celebration of ITEC Day here in the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini. As we commemorate this significant occasion, we celebrate not just a programme, but a partnership that has endured for decades and continues to strengthen the bonds between India and Eswatini.

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, instituted sixty-one years ago on September 15, 1964, represents one of the world's oldest institutionalized arrangements for international capacity building. Born from the vision of fostering relations based on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared aspirations, ITEC embodies the true spirit of South-South cooperation.

Today, I stand before you with great pride to highlight how this flagship programme of India's Ministry of External Affairs has profoundly benefited the Kingdom of Eswatini. Since opening of India’s resident Mission in Eswatini in 2019, more than 400 Emaswatis from government, semi-government and private sectors have enriched their skills and knowledge through ITEC training programmes in India. This remarkable achievement reflects the deep commitment of both our nations to human resource development and capacity building.

The impact of ITEC in Eswatini spans across vital institutions that form the backbone of this nation. Officers from the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, His Majesty's Correctional Services, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, and numerous government departments have all benefited from specialized training programmes. This comprehensive coverage ensures that the benefits of ITEC reach every sector of Eswatini's governance structure.

What makes ITEC truly special is its demand-driven and response-oriented nature. The programme addresses the specific developmental needs of Eswatini, offering training in diverse fields ranging from information technology and banking to agriculture, entrepreneurship, and public administration. Whether it's enhancing technical skills or strengthening administrative capabilities, ITEC has consistently aligned with Eswatini's national development priorities.

The programme's evolution has been remarkable. In 2018, during the visit of His Excellency the President of India, the annual ITEC allocation for Eswatini was increased from 30 to 50 civilian training slots. Additionally, 20 defense training slots are now allocated annually, demonstrating India's commitment to supporting Eswatini's comprehensive development needs.

Beyond traditional classroom training, ITEC has adapted to changing times. During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, 166 Emaswati officials participated in nine e-ITEC courses, ensuring that capacity building continued uninterrupted. This digital innovation showcased ITEC's resilience and commitment to continuous learning.

The programme's benefits extend far beyond individual capacity building. When these trained officials return to Eswatini, they bring with them not just enhanced technical skills, but also new perspectives, innovative approaches, and valuable networks. They become catalysts for change within their institutions, multiplying the impact of their training manifold.

ITEC's comprehensive approach includes six key components: civilian and defense training, project-related activities, deployment of Indian experts, study tours, equipment donations, and disaster relief assistance. This holistic framework ensures that cooperation between India and Eswatini addresses multiple dimensions of development.

The success stories emerging from ITEC training are testament to the programme's effectiveness. From treasury officials enhancing financial management capabilities to police officers acquiring modern investigative techniques, from health professionals updating their medical knowledge to educators embracing new pedagogical methods – ITEC has touched every aspect of Eswatini's development journey.

As we look toward the future, ITEC continues to evolve, incorporating cutting-edge courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and forensics. The programme now partners with premier Indian institutions including the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, and the Indian Institute of Science. This ensures that Emaswati participants have access to world-class training at India's most prestigious institutions.

The celebration of ITEC Day is not merely about commemorating past achievements; it is about reaffirming our shared commitment to mutual growth and prosperity. It represents India's unwavering belief in partnership rather than patronage, cooperation rather than condescension.

To our ITEC alumni present here today, you are the living embodiment of this programme's success. Your achievements in your respective fields inspire future participants and strengthen the ITEC alumni network that now spans across continents.

In conclusion, as we celebrate ITEC Day, let us remember that this programme represents more than just training opportunities. It symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and Eswatini, built on the foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations for a better future.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Eswatini for its continued support and partnership. Together, we shall continue to build bridges of knowledge, create pathways of progress, and strengthen the bonds that unite our nations.

Thank you, Siyabonga kakhulu and long live India-Eswatini friendship!