New Delhi: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched the first MEA-CSIR Tech Familiarization Program on October 14, 2026, with the aim of strengthening India’s scientific and technical cooperation with countries of the Global South.
In this inaugural event, 33 ambassadors and senior embassy officials from 29 countries came together to explore India’s research capabilities, indigenous technologies, and opportunities for international collaboration.
As part of the programme, the delegation visited two major CSIR laboratories in New Delhi: the Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB).
At CSIR-CRRI, the delegates explored advanced road research facilities and witnessed a demonstration of Ecofix, an indigenous steel slag-based mixture developed for the rapid repair of potholes. The technology promotes the use of industrial waste to deliver cost-effective and sustainable solutions for road construction and maintenance.
At CSIR-IGIB, delegates were introduced to research facilities such as genome sequencing, biobanking, biosafety, zebrafish research and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), showcasing India’s capabilities in the fields of genomics, biotechnology, and healthcare research.
Jointly conceptualised by CSIR and the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division, the initiative aims to promote collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
During an interactive session, the visiting delegates discussed their countries’ priorities and explored potential areas of cooperation. This program is expected to open new avenues for sharing Indian scientific expertise and adopting indigenous technologies to meet the developmental needs of partner countries.
(PIB)
