The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) jointly launched a new initiative on 14 October 2026 to strengthen science and technology partnerships with countries in the Global South. The MEA–CSIR Tech Familiarization Programme brought together 33 Ambassadors and senior embassy officials from 29 countries to visit CSIR laboratories and learn about India’s research capabilities and indigenous technologies.
Key facts
- Launch date: 14 October 2026
- Participating diplomats: 33 Ambassadors and embassy officials from 29 countries
- Laboratories visited: CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), both in New Delhi
- Lead officials: Dr. Rama Swami Bansal (Head, International S&T Affairs Directorate, CSIR), Dr. Sadre Alam (Joint Secretary, MEA), Dr. Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar (Director, CSIR-CRRI), and Dr. Souvik Maiti (Director, CSIR-IGIB)
- Key technology demonstrated: Ecofix, a steel slag-based instant pothole repair mix
What is the programme?
The MEA–CSIR Tech Familiarization Programme is a diplomatic initiative designed to showcase India’s scientific research and technological innovations to government representatives from Global South countries. By bringing ambassadors and embassy officials directly into CSIR laboratories, the programme aims to identify opportunities for international scientific collaboration and technology transfer between India and partner nations.
Research areas and technologies showcased
The inaugural edition focused on two main research domains. At CSIR-CRRI, visitors saw advanced research facilities and technologies related to sustainable infrastructure development. These included a driving simulator, cyclic load test facility, steel slag laboratory, a 3D model of bio-binder technology and drone models. A live demonstration of Ecofix highlighted how industrial waste, specifically steel slag, can be converted into a rapid road maintenance solution, providing an affordable and sustainable alternative to conventional pothole repair methods.
At CSIR-IGIB, the delegation explored India’s genomics and biomedical research capabilities. Facilities demonstrated included genome sequencing laboratories, biosafety equipment, zebrafish research units, biobanking infrastructure and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified facilities. The visit underscored India’s growing expertise in precision healthcare, biotechnology and biomedical research.
Goals of the partnership programme
CSIR and MEA conceptualized this initiative to build stronger scientific and technological linkages with Global South countries by promoting collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building and the deployment of innovative solutions to shared developmental challenges. The programme seeks to translate India’s scientific and technological strengths into meaningful international partnerships that can address the specific developmental needs of partner countries.
How the programme works
The inaugural session included presentations from CSIR and MEA officials explaining the initiative’s objectives and potential collaboration models. Scientists and directors from each visited laboratory introduced their research strengths, technological achievements and contributions to their respective fields. The programme concluded with interactive discussions where visiting diplomats shared their priorities and expectations for future engagement with CSIR, exploring opportunities for joint research, knowledge exchange and adaptation of Indian technologies.
What this means for you
If you are a scientist, researcher or technology professional in India, this programme may create new opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange with counterparts in Global South countries. Students and professionals interested in genomics, sustainable infrastructure or biomedical research may find expanded avenues for international partnerships and capacity building. For countries participating in the programme, the initiative offers access to Indian research capabilities and technologies that can be adapted to address local developmental challenges at reduced costs.
What happens next
The MEA and CSIR are expected to continue the programme in future editions, potentially expanding the number of participating countries and the range of research facilities showcased. The interactive feedback from this inaugural session will shape how subsequent programmes are designed and which additional CSIR laboratories and research domains are included.