Bridging nations: India and Hungary celebrate ITEC Day in Budapest
The Embassy of India in Budapest hosted a vibrant celebration for the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day on its premises. The event highlighted India’s enduring commitment to global capacity-building and celebrated the strong developmental partnership between India and Hungary.
About the ITEC Programme
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is the Government of India’s flagship capacity-building initiative. Established in 1964, it is a key pillar of India’s South-South cooperation policy. The programme provides professionals from over 160 partner countries with unique training opportunities in India’s premier institutions across a wide range of disciplines, including technology, governance, management, and rural development.
It is fully sponsored by the Indian government and aims to share India’s developmental experience and expertise for mutual growth. Between 2007 and 2025, a total of 45 professionals from Hungary attended the ITEC programmes in India.
This year’s celebration
The occasion was graced by the presence of H.E. Ms. Boglárka Illés, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations of Hungary, who attended as the Chief Guest. In her address, she emphasised the significance of India’s developmental partnership initiatives in enhancing institutional and people-to-people linkages. She also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations and underlined the growing cooperation in key sectors like Space, Science, and Technology.
Mr. Anshuman Gaur, Ambassador of India to Hungary, addressed the gathering, underscoring the pivotal role of the ITEC Programme in fostering knowledge-sharing, skill development, and strengthening partnerships with friendly countries. He remarked, “ITEC is more than just a training programme; it is a bridge of friendship and collaboration, built on the principle of shared growth. Our partnership with Hungary is a testament to this spirit.”
A key feature of the evening was the testimonials from Hungarian ITEC alumni. Several former participants shared their experiences, reflecting on how the training they received in India has had a deep and lasting impact on their professional growth and fostered a greater cultural understanding.
The celebrations were enriched by a cultural programme organised by the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre. The performances included a mesmerising tabla and pakhawaj fusion and a graceful Odissi dance recital, which beautifully showcased India’s rich artistic traditions. Guests were also treated to a curated selection of authentic Indian cuisine, adding a flavorful dimension to the evening.
The ITEC Day 2025 celebration concluded on a high note, reaffirming the mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation under the ITEC framework and further strengthening the deep-rooted friendship between India and Hungary.
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