More than 800 Fijians have benefited from India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme since 2014, receiving fully funded training and scholarships across diverse fields such as IT, renewable energy, agriculture, health and climate resilience.
High Commissioner of India, Suneet Mehta highlighted this achievement during the celebration of ITEC Day 2025, saying the programme empowers Fijians with practical skills and global exposure.
Mehta says that ITEC reflects India’s belief that the world is one family.
He noted that this year alone, 58 young Fijians attended courses in India.
He also says that the event marked the deepening of bilateral ties, including the visit of Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to India, new training collaborations between NIELIT, LIT India, and Pacific Polytechnic Fiji, and the deputation of ITEC experts to support Fiji’s sugar industry and education sector.
Fiji’s Chief Medical Officer, Veniana Madanavosa acknowledged the Government of India for its ongoing support in strengthening Fiji’s healthcare system through training and technology partnerships under the ITEC Programme.
An ITEC alumna herself, Madanavosa expressed gratitude for India’s commitment to establishing a 100-bed specialty hospital in Nasinu, which is expected to significantly enhance medical services for Fijians.
Reflecting on her 10-day ITEC training in India, she described the programme as comprehensive and inspiring, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence in modern patient assessment and innovative treatment modalities.
Madanavosa says that Fiji and India share similar challenges in healthcare, particularly in reaching rural and remote communities. She was also impressed by India’s use of drone technology to bridge health service gaps, an approach that could transform healthcare delivery in isolated areas of Fiji.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka says ITEC has been transformative for Fijians, training over 200,000 professionals globally since 1964 and over 800 locally in sectors including civil service, health, defence, education, and technology. Gavoka says the programme has modernised Fiji’s systems, strengthened leadership, and improved service delivery.
He adds that India’s ongoing support in agriculture, including drones, cowpea seeds and soil testing labs, continues to boost productivity and food security.
