ITEC at 60: India’s International Development Partnership Book Launch
The Ananta Aspen Centre hosted the launch of the book ITEC at 60: India’s International Development Partnership on 18th August 2025 in New Delhi. The event marked a significant milestone, celebrating six decades of India’s development partnership with countries of the Global South under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
The book, authored by Ms. Maria Elizabeth Joseph, Ms. Swati Sinha, and Dr. Shimreisa Chahongnao, has been published by Thomson Press. This publication represents a collaborative effort between the Ananta Aspen Centre and the Gates Foundation, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing dialogue and knowledge on issues of global importance. Drawing on extensive research and firsthand interviews, the book traces ITEC’s 60-year journey, examines its role in shaping India’s global development partnerships, and offers a candid reflection on future challenges, such as measuring impact and strengthening institutional frameworks.
The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Development Partnership Administration (DPA) II & IV, Ministry of External Affairs, who highlighted the importance of ITEC as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy and a unique model of South-South cooperation. The launch was led by Ms. Archna Vyas, Director of Policy and Communication at the Gates Foundation India, and Ms. Indrani Bagchi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ananta Aspen Centre, alongside the three authors. The book is a meaningful addition to the discussion on international development and will be widely shared as a resource with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the embassies of partner countries across the Global South.
Beyond chronicling India’s development story, the book highlights the guiding values of ITEC—trust, cooperation, and knowledge sharing without conditionalities that are unique to India’s approach over the past six decades. The event concluded with an engaging interaction with the authors and participants, reflecting on the relevance of ITEC in the rapidly changing global development landscape.
