Speaking at ITEC Day in Tashkent, he said that the ITEC programme is an important pillar of our bilateral relationship. By way of background information, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, which we call as ITEC, was initiated in September 1964.

“Uzbekistan, just after two years of its independence, became an ITEC partner in 1993. Over the years this programme has gained wide popularity in Uzbekistan. Since 1993, more than 1500 Uzbek citizens have been trained in India in diverse areas such as Information, Technology, Management, Remote Sensing, Administration, Banking and Finance, Education and Human Resources Development, English Language, Journalism, Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship, Textile Mills Management, Water Resources Development, NGOs and Civil Society etc,” he said.

Indian diplomat said: “The people of India greatly admire the achievements of the people of Uzbekistan sines its independence. The ITEC programme is part of India’s contribution to Uzbekistan’s success story. We are certain that ITEC students will make a greater contribution to the progress of Uzbekistan in the years to come. As a gesture of goodwill and keeping in mind the special relations between our two countries, Government of India has since this year increased the number of ITEC slots for Uzbekistan from 125 to 150”.

“This year we have tried to make it possible for candidates from most distant parts of Uzbekistan to benefit from the ITEC programme and Embassy officials conducted ITEC interviews in Namangan and Andijan. We hope it will be possible to reach out to other parts of Uzbekistan as well,” Ambassador said.

Anumula Gitesh Sarma added: “The people of India will never forget their Uzbek brothers and sisters. Every year we celebrate this occasion with our Uzbek friends who visited India as part of the programme. Your large presence here is a reflection of warmth in relations between India and Uzbekistan. We also hope that you will be able today relive some of the wonderful memories of your stay in India.”