NEW DELHI — In a major push for science diplomacy, Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra led a high-level “CSIR Capabilities Discovery Session” yesterday at the India International Centre. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the event hosted Ambassadors and High Commissioners from across the Global South, including representatives from Oceania, the Gulf, West Asia, North Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The session aimed to reinforce South–South cooperation by showcasing India’s scalable and affordable technological solutions. Dr. Malhotra, joined by CSIR Director General Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, emphasized that science and technology are the cornerstones of India’s commitment to supporting partner nations in achieving sustainable development goals.
Thematic Focus & Highlights
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Science Diplomacy: Dr. Malhotra highlighted India’s role in advancing shared priorities such as healthcare equity, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.
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Technological Showcasing: CSIR scientists presented innovations in affordable food processing, pharmaceutical research (addressing antimicrobial resistance), and low-carbon construction.
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Collaboration Framework: The session utilized CSIR’s “Connect, Collaborate, Converge, and Convert” approach to encourage joint R&D projects and technology transfers.
Strategic Impact
The discovery session aligns with India’s broader vision of voicing the concerns of the Global South on international platforms. By opening up its vast R&D ecosystem—comprising 37 specialized laboratories—CSIR positioned itself as a primary partner for nations seeking inclusive and resilient technological growth. The participating diplomats expressed strong interest in joint innovation initiatives and capacity-building programs to address local societal challenges.
