Embassy of India

Press Release

ITEC Day in Thimphu

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day was celebrated in Thimphu on 16 October 2026, to mark the long-standing India-Bhutan education, training, and capacity building partnership.

The event was graced by Chairperson of the National Council of Bhutan; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Health; Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment; Chairperson of Royal Privy Council; Drangpons of the Supreme Court; Constitutional bodies’ heads and members; parliamentarians; senior government officers; and distinguished alumni of Indian training programmes and Indian scholarship recipients.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador of India to Bhutan H.E. Shri Sandeep Arya reflected on the strong legacy of the education and capacity building partnership dating back to 1950s, its expansion and development, and relevance upto 500 short-term trainings under the ITEC programme, about 1900 education scholarship recipients in the past year and about 15% of bilateral development cooperation in 13^th Five Year Plan aimed at education and skill development. He appreciated these connections serving as living bridges of India-Bhutan friendship and cooperation.

H.E. Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, highlighted the importance of the India-Bhutan education and capacity building ties, and shared his own experience in India where he pursued his Master’s degree in Management. Mr Kelly Dorji, film actor, artist, and writer from Bhutan, shared his experience of school and higher education in India, including its influence on his professional journey.

On the occasion, Ambassador felicitated H.E. Lyonpo Dago Tshering, former Minister and former Ambassador, as a distinguished alumnus of Indian scholarship. In his remarks, Lyonpo Dago Tshering recalled his academic and professional connection with India, including school and college study in India from 1955-61, highlighting the special India-Bhutan friendship.

The event was attended by about 200 ITEC participants and alumni of Indian education institutions, who participated enthusiastically in the event including in a special quiz on India-Bhutan friendship. The alumni relived their India days with a performance of Indian songs by popular Bhutanese bands.

ITEC Day 2026 reaffirmed the commitment on both sides to further strengthen the India-Bhutan education and capacity building cooperation, a key element of people-to-people ties that are a hallmark of the special and unique India-Bhutan friendship.

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