India celebrates ITEC in Turkey; A diplomatic Ice Breaker?

The Indian Embassy in Turkey celebrated the 55th anniversary of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). This programme was started in 1964 with the aim of taking bilateral relations beyond routine foreign policy affairs. The idea was to work around mutual concerns, issues of interdependence and most important: economic cooperation. Attending the ITEC programme, the Ambassador of India to Turkey, Mr Sanjay Bhattacharya said this programme has played “pivotal role” and contributed towards human resources development in Turkey.  “Various ministries and departments of the Turkish government” have benefited from the training provided under the scheme said the Indian envoy. Several NGO groups and Chambers of Commerce from Turkey too have been provided training at some of “India's most premier institutions”, he added.

One of the rationales behind the foundation of this programme has been an “imaginative foreign policy” which works towards better integration and solid technical as well as economic cooperation. While it was launched as a bilateral programme, its resources have been used in “regional and inter-regional context such as Economic Commission for Africa, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, G-15 and so on.

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How does India help other countries?

In simple words, India provides unique opportunities for “training and capacity building”. Professionals from developing world, “both civilian and defence” train at “centres of excellence in India”. India also contributes to specific projects at the request of the partner countries by sending its own experts who train, facilitate and oversee schemes of development. In addition, humanitarian aid and cash assistance are also provided by India.

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Why does it matter?

India-Turkey relations date back to centuries. Both countries have influenced each other with their culture and civilisation. In fact, Turkey was one of the first countries that recognised the status of India soon after its independence. However, the two countries have been found at odds over the Kashmir issue. While Turkey supported the Pakistan narrative regarding the abrogation of Article 370, India slammed its actions in northeast Syria and termed it “unilateral” and further said that it would “undermine fight against terrorism”. Amid tensions, the ITEC celebration might act as a diplomatic ice breaker.

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