Key Highlights
- 33 diplomats from 29 countries participated in the first MEA–CSIR Tech Familiarization Programme.
- Delegates visited CSIR laboratories specialising in road research, genomics and healthcare.
- The programme showcased indigenous technologies, including Ecofix, a steel slag-based pothole repair material.
- India aims to expand international cooperation through joint research, technology transfer and scientific capacity building.
New Delhi, October 14: India has launched the inaugural Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)–Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Tech Familiarization Programme to strengthen science and technology partnerships with countries of the Global South.
Launched on October 14, 2026, the initiative brought together 33 ambassadors and senior embassy officials from 29 countries to explore India’s scientific capabilities, indigenous technologies and advanced research infrastructure.
Jointly developed by CSIR and the Ministry of External Affairs’ New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division, the programme aims to identify opportunities for collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building and the application of innovative solutions to shared development challenges.
Delegates Visit CSIR Laboratories in New Delhi
The first edition included visits to two major CSIR institutions: the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB).
During the inaugural session, Dr Rama Swami Bansal, Head of the International Science and Technology Affairs Directorate at CSIR, outlined the organisation’s research capabilities, international engagements and potential collaboration models with partner countries.
Dr Sadre Alam, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, explained the programme’s objectives and its role in building international partnerships through science and technology.
Dr Chalumuri Ravi Sekhar, Director of CSIR-CRRI, and Dr Souvik Maiti, Director of CSIR-IGIB, introduced the delegation to their institutes’ research programmes and technological achievements in sustainable infrastructure, genomics and healthcare.
CSIR-CRRI Showcases Sustainable Road Technologies
At CSIR-CRRI, the visiting officials explored facilities and technologies designed to support road infrastructure development and maintenance. These included a driving simulator, cyclic load testing facilities, a steel slag laboratory, a three-dimensional model of bio-binder technology and drone models.
A key attraction was a live demonstration of Ecofix, a steel slag-based instant pothole repair mix developed for rapid road maintenance.
The technology demonstrates how industrial waste can be converted into a useful infrastructure material, offering a potential route towards more sustainable and cost-effective road repair solutions. The visit also highlighted the role of indigenous research in addressing infrastructure challenges.
CSIR-IGIB Highlights Genomics and Healthcare Research
The delegation also visited CSIR-IGIB, where participants were introduced to advanced research facilities covering genome sequencing, biosafety, zebrafish research, biobanking and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
The visit showcased India’s capabilities in genomics, biomedical research, biotechnology and precision healthcare. It also highlighted areas where international cooperation could support scientific knowledge exchange, research partnerships and capacity building.
Programme Seeks Long-Term International Collaboration
The programme concluded with an interactive session in which ambassadors and embassy officials shared their priorities and expectations for future engagement with CSIR.
Discussions explored potential partnerships in joint research, technology development, knowledge exchange, capacity building and the adaptation of Indian technologies to the specific needs of partner countries.
By connecting diplomatic representatives directly with Indian scientists and research institutions, the initiative seeks to turn scientific engagement into practical cooperation. It also provides a platform for partner countries to explore technologies that may help address shared challenges in infrastructure, healthcare and sustainable development.
The inaugural MEA–CSIR Tech Familiarization Programme marks a step towards expanding India’s science and technology engagement with the Global South. The initiative is expected to create further opportunities for sustained partnerships and wider application of Indian scientific innovations.
Source:(PIB),
