Muscat: The Embassy of India in Muscat organised an event on 4th November, 2026 to celebrate India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) day, a flagship initiative of the Government of India that represents an important pillar of India’s development partnership with the Sultanate of Oman.

Mr. Fahad Al-Abri, Advisor at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A large number of Omani ITEC alumni also attended the event and shared their experiences, views and reflections on the training programmes, highlighting the knowledge and professional skills gained through their participation in the ITEC Programme.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Tavishi Behal Pandey, addressed the gathering and highlighted the wide range of specialised training courses offered under the ITEC Programme. She also outlined new initiatives, including the participation of private-sector institutions and universities as training partners, and innovative formats such as ITEC for advanced training of senior-level officials and short-term deployment of Indian trainers abroad. She encouraged eligible Omani officials and professionals to avail themselves of these opportunities to enhance their skills and strengthen India–Oman cooperation.

The India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, established in 1964 by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is a flagship initiative of India’s development partnership and one of the oldest institutionalised international capacity-building programmes. Having trained over 200,000 officials from more than 160 countries, ITEC offers over 300 specialised courses across diverse sectors, including Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Public Administration, Finance, 5.Agriculture, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, Diplomacy and Skill Development. These programmes are conducted by reputed Indian institutions, including IITs and other leading centres of excellence, providing participants with exposure to India’s technological advancements, institutional expertise and professional practices. For the financial year 2026–27, Oman has been allocated 125 training slots.

The programme is open to eligible Omani government officials and professionals, with applications coordinated through the Ministry of Labour, Sultanate of Oman. The Government of India provides comprehensive support, including international travel, visa, course fees, accommodation, monthly living allowance, book allowance, medical facilities.