With only about half of its annual training slots currently utilised, Seychelles is being urged to maximise opportunities under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, as officials gathered to mark ITEC Day 2026.
The event, held on 23 March 2026 at the Savoy Seychelles Resort, Beau Vallon, brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, ITEC alumni, and invited guests to commemorate the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
In his address, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, representing the President who was engaged in other commitments, described the ITEC Programme as a cornerstone of cooperation between Seychelles and India, highlighting its role in strengthening human capital and institutional capacity.
“The ITEC Programme, launched in 1964, remains one of the most enduring initiatives of South-South cooperation, empowering professionals across the developing world, including Seychellois who continue to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He noted that many Seychellois have benefited from training opportunities in India, gaining technical expertise and valuable cultural exposure that translates into tangible contributions to the country’s progress.
The Minister also acknowledged the deployment of Indian experts in Seychelles, particularly within the Seychelles Defence Forces, and welcomed ongoing efforts to expand cooperation.
He further referenced the recent State Visit of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, to India, which advanced capacity-building initiatives, including the training of civil servants under a bilateral agreement.
This comes at a time when Seychelles continues to prioritise capacity building in key sectors to support sustainable development and long-term economic resilience.
For his part, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish, described ITEC as a flagship initiative of the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which has trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries since its inception.
He noted that the programme continues to evolve, offering a wide range of opportunities, including inperson training, online learning platforms, executive courses, and on-site expert support. Areas of training include emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, digital health, fisheries management, and marine conservation.
High Commissioner Rathish encouraged greater participation from Seychelles, noting that while approximately 90 training slots are allocated annually, only about 30 to 40 are typically utilised. He urged alumni and stakeholders to promote awareness of the programme to maximise its benefits.
He also highlighted recent developments in bilateral cooperation, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to train 250 Seychellois civil servants over the next three years, as well as the announcement of a USD 175 million special economic package during the President’s State Visit.
The ceremony featured testimonials from ITEC alumni, who shared their experiences and the impact of the programme on their professional growth.
Among them, Corporal Fathima Horace of the Seychelles Coast Guard recounted her participation in the Management Course for Chief Petty Officers at INS Agrani in Coimbatore, India.
“With over 11 years of service, including nine years as an Able Seaman and diving instructor, the course allowed me to strengthen my management skills and leadership competencies through structured training and practical exercises,” she said.
Corporal Horace noted that the three-and-a-half-week programme brought together participants from Seychelles, Cabo Verde, and India, providing a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. In addition to professional training, participants were also exposed to India’s rich cultural heritage through organised visits and activities.
“I am grateful to the Seychelles Defence Forces, INS Agrani, and the Indian High Commission for this opportunity. It has equipped me with valuable skills to excel in my duties, and I look forward to further opportunities of this nature,” she added.
The event ultimately reinforced ITEC’s growing relevance in Seychelles, not merely as a training platform, but as a practical tool for building the skills base required to meet the country’s evolving development priorities. It also underscored the importance of increased participation to ensure that available opportunities are fully leveraged in support of national capacity-building efforts.