Ulaanbaatar, Sep 19 (NationPress) The Indian Embassy in Mongolia recently commemorated the 61st anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day, celebrating the impact of the ITEC Scholarship Programme.

During the celebration, India's Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, emphasized the critical role that ITEC plays in promoting global collaboration. He remarked that ITEC is a demand-driven initiative providing fully-funded training courses across various sectors, such as IT, finance, governance, and defense, empowering professionals to enhance their skills and contribute to their nations' growth.

The Embassy highlighted that the event was a testament to the enduring relationship between India and Mongolia. Established on September 15, 1964, the ITEC Programme stands as a flagship initiative of the Government of India, aimed at providing technical assistance and human resource development for developing nations. It operates under the guiding principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutubakam'—the world is one family, reflecting India's long tradition of sharing knowledge and expertise.

The ITEC Day celebration brought together approximately 250-270 attendees, including distinguished alumni of the ITEC programme, Mongolian government officials, and dignitaries from various sectors.

The Chief Guest, HE Mr. Damdinnyam Gongor, Minister of Industry & Mineral Resources and an ITEC alumnus, expressed his sincere appreciation for the ITEC programme's role in enhancing skills among professionals across critical sectors in Mongolia's state ministries. He also acknowledged the Indian Government's support in developing the Oil Refinery Project in Dornogibi, which aims to bolster Mongolia's energy security.

During the event, multiple ITEC alumni shared their success stories, illustrating how the training programmes have positively transformed their careers and enriched their understanding of India's culture and society.

Notable attendees included N Enkhbayar, the 3rd President of Mongolia, A Bayar, Speaker of the Citizens' Representative Council of Ulaanbaatar City, O Nyamdavaa, former Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Kh. Chinbat, President of the India-Mongolia Alumni Association.

The Embassy stated, “Since its inception, the ITEC Programme has significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering South-South cooperation. Annually, it offers over 15,000 fully-funded training slots across diverse disciplines, conducted at more than 100 premier institutions in India, with participation from over 160 countries. To date, over 3,500 professionals from Mongolia have benefited, with 200 scholarship slots available each year for Mongolian nationals.”

The ITEC programme exemplifies India's commitment to supporting its partners' aspirations, adhering to a model of cooperation that is voluntary, devoid of conditionalities, and aligned with the recipient countries' priorities. It remains a powerful symbol of friendship and mutual progress between India and Mongolia.