India’s development partnership with Africa is being shaped around the needs and priorities identified by its partner countries, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said during his visit to Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking to alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program in Abidjan, Jaishankar said development cooperation remains a central element of India’s engagement with African nations. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s articulation of the Kampala principles, which have helped define India’s approach to working with countries across the continent.
Jaishankar described ITEC as an important mechanism through which India shares expertise and experience while also learning from its international partners. The program provides opportunities to exchange knowledge in areas including governance, security, technology and development.
Launched in 1964, ITEC is now in its 62nd year and has expanded into a major platform for India’s international capacity-building efforts. The program currently works with more than 160 partner countries and provides nearly 10,000 fully funded training opportunities each year.
The scope of ITEC has also expanded considerably. Its training areas include information and communications technology, digital governance, public administration, banking, finance, agriculture, energy and skill development. The program also covers defense, security and counterterrorism, allowing partner countries to access training across a broad range of sectors.
Jaishankar highlighted Côte d’Ivoire as an important partner for India in West Africa. Over the past 12 years, the country has used around 800 ITEC training opportunities, reflecting the depth of cooperation between the two nations.
India has also committed additional training opportunities for Côte d’Ivoire, including 123 slots in defense-related areas and 100 for civilian programs. Jaishankar emphasized that such exchanges are valuable not only for developing professional skills but also for creating stronger personal and institutional relationships between the two countries.
He said the relationships built through training programs create lasting connections through shared experiences, interactions and professional networks. According to the minister, these human connections form an important foundation for long-term bilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar also reiterated India’s support for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development, governance efforts and security priorities. He said India remains committed to helping the country strengthen its human capital and develop the skills required for a changing economy.
The ITEC program therefore represents more than technical training, serving as a broader platform for India to share knowledge, strengthen institutional capabilities and deepen partnerships with countries across Africa and beyond.
