(By Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Ambassador of India to Romania and Moldova)
When we speak of international partnerships, we often think of trade, investment, technology or strategic cooperation. Yet, at the heart of every enduring partnership are people. It is the exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas between people that gives relationships their depth and resilience. It is in this spirit that India has placed capacity building at the centre of its development partnership with countries across the world. One of the most successful expressions of this approach is the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, launched by the Government of India in 1964. Today, ITEC is a global platform through which professionals from partner countries can undertake specialised training in India, learn from Indian institutions and experts, and experience first-hand India’s transformation in technology, innovation, governance and sustainable development.
I am particularly pleased that the recent State Visit of the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, to Romania has given a new impetus to this important dimension of our bilateral partnership. During the visit, the Government of India announced its decision to double the number of ITEC training opportunities for Romanian professionals. A similar decision was announced during the President’s historic State Visit to the Republic of Moldova. This is more than an increase in numbers. It is an investment in the people who will shape the future of our societies.
Learning from India’s experience
India today is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies, with considerable experience in areas ranging from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to renewable energy, entrepreneurship, public administration and financial inclusion. The ITEC programme provides an opportunity for professionals from Romania and Moldova to experience this transformation directly. Training programmes are offered through leading Indian institutions and cover a wide range of contemporary subjects, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital technologies, data analytics, renewable energy, public administration, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, education and sustainable development.
The programme is fully funded by the Government of India, with major expenses such as international travel, accommodation, boarding and course fees covered in accordance with the applicable guidelines. But ITEC is not simply about attending a course in a classroom. It is about seeing India. Participants have the opportunity to visit institutions, interact with Indian experts and professionals, undertake practical and field-based learning, and experience India’s remarkable economic and technological transformation. They also meet participants from other countries, creating international professional networks that frequently continue long after the training programme has ended.
A growing community of Romanian professionals
Romania has a longstanding association with ITEC. Over the years, Romanian professionals have participated in training programmes in India in diverse fields and have become an important part of the growing ITEC alumni community. In November 2025, the Embassy organised an ITEC Day at India House, bringing together more than 60 ITEC alumni, government officials, academics and Friends of India. The personal experiences shared by Romanian alumni demonstrated that the value of ITEC extends well beyond professional training. Participants spoke of the skills they acquired, the institutions they visited, the friendships they developed and their deeper understanding of contemporary India. These alumni are, in many ways, bridges between our two countries.
Preparing for the future
The decision to double ITEC opportunities comes at an important moment in India–Romania relations. During the recent State Visit, our two countries agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years. We also agreed to deepen cooperation in science and technology, education, sports and other areas. An Indian Studies Chair is being established at the University of Bucharest, while the two countries are preparing to celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2028 as the “India–Romania Year of Innovation.” In this broader context, capacity building assumes particular importance. Our cooperation in emerging technologies can create new possibilities for businesses, universities and public institutions. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy and advanced technologies are rapidly changing the way economies and societies function. Professionals who understand these transformations will be central to the competitiveness of our countries.
That is why I am particularly encouraged that the enhanced ITEC opportunities will include specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. Romanian diplomats will also have the opportunity to participate in special professional courses on AI and cyber diplomacy at India’s Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.
From training to partnership
India’s approach to international cooperation has always been guided by the principle of partnership rather than prescription. ITEC reflects this philosophy. We do not see capacity building as a one-way transfer of knowledge. The greater interaction between our professionals can therefore generate new ideas and, potentially, new partnerships. For me, this is the real promise of ITEC.
A Romanian professional who trains in India today may return tomorrow to establish a professional collaboration with an Indian institution, develop a business partnership, initiate a research project or simply become a friend and advocate for closer India–Romania relations.
Building bridges through knowledge
More than six decades after its establishment, ITEC remains one of India’s most enduring instruments of international cooperation. Its strength lies in a simple idea: countries become closer when their people learn from one another. As India and Romania look towards an increasingly ambitious partnership, I believe that education, innovation, technology and human connections will be among its strongest foundations.
I therefore invite eligible Romanian professionals from government institutions, public sector organisations, universities, the private sector, chambers of commerce and other professional institutions to explore the opportunities available under ITEC. The programme currently offers hundreds of courses through more than 100 institutions in India. For those who participate, ITEC can be the beginning of much more than a training programme. It can be the beginning of a professional journey, a new friendship, a new idea or a new partnership.
As India and Romania move towards a future defined increasingly by innovation and knowledge, let us build more bridges between our people.
Let us learn together. Let us innovate together. Let us grow together.
That is the spirit of ITEC.
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