GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Indian Embassy in Guatemala has successfully completed a specialized ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) course on the Prevention of Corruption, which was held from 13 to 26 February 2025 in National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development, New Delhi, India. The course, designed to share India’s expertise in promoting transparency and good governance, saw the active participation of over 30 distinguished officials, including Congressmen, Supreme Court judges, and Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA) officials from Guatemala.

The specialized course is part of India’s commitment to supporting capacity building and knowledge-sharing across the Global South. The initiative was first announced by Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in Panama in April 2023. The Minister’s offer to organize tailored courses for the SICA member countries has come to fruition with this focused training on anti-corruption measures, offering practical insights and strategies for strengthening governance systems.

The Government of India has made significant strides in reducing corruption and enhancing transparency across all levels of governance. Through a series of legislative, institutional, and technological reforms, India has focused on promoting accountability and integrity within the public sector. Key initiatives include the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which empowers citizens with access to government-held information, and the introduction of e-governance initiatives to minimize human discretion and reduce opportunities for corruption. Additionally, the establishment of anti-corruption bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has strengthened the mechanisms for investigating and addressing corruption-related issues. India’s commitment to transparency is also reflected in its efforts to digitize public services, improve financial auditing, and promote the use of technology to ensure greater public sector accountability. These comprehensive measures align with India’s vision of fostering a corruption-free governance model and serve as a model for other countries striving for similar objectives.

Earlier, as part of the ITEC on-site program, a delegation of four mining experts had visited El Salvador in October 2022 to participate in a specialized training program for the experts from El Salvador. The primary objective of their visit was to offer expert guidance on the effective closure of abandoned mines. This initiative focused on addressing the environmental and safety challenges associated with derelict mining sites, while also sharing India’s best practices for remediation and sustainable land restoration efforts. The visit aimed to enhance the knowledge and capacity of local authorities in managing abandoned mines and mitigating their long-term impacts on the environment and public health.

The ITEC Program is an initiative of the Government of India, aimed at providing technical assistance and training to developing countries. Established in 1964, ITEC offers more than 600 courses annually, covering various sectors to promote the development of partner countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The programme continues to be a cornerstone of India’s development partnership with the Global South. These courses, offered to SICA member countries and other nations, aim to enhance cooperation and foster sustainable development.

Over the years, more than 600 professionals from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador have benefitted from India’s ITEC courses, gaining valuable knowledge and skills in a wide range of sectors. These courses, offered as part of India’s ongoing commitment to capacity building and development cooperation, have provided participants from these countries with the tools and expertise to enhance their work in areas such as governance, public administration, technology, agriculture, and healthcare. By engaging with Indian experts and learning from India’s diverse experiences, these professionals have been able to implement innovative solutions and best practices in their respective fields. The ITEC program continues to be a cornerstone of India’s partnership with the countries of Central America, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual growth.

The Indian Embassy has expressed its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement in the course and their commitment to strengthening their nation’s governance structures. The Embassy remains dedicated to furthering India’s role as a partner for progress and development in the region and looks forward to expanding the ITEC offering with more specialized courses in the future to meet the unique needs of SICA member countries.

(Based on a press release issued by Ramesh Khulbey)