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New Delhi/Kathmandu, February 2025 – India and Nepal have taken a significant step forward in their science and technology partnership as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi.
The MoU was signed and exchanged by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, along with Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor, NAST. This agreement establishes a comprehensive framework to foster scientific and technological collaboration between the two nations.
CSIR and NAST have shared a longstanding cooperative history, beginning in 1994 with an initial agreement between CSIR and then-RONAST (now NAST). The collaboration has seen the execution of two Working Programmes in 1997 and 2002, facilitating joint research, workshops, and training programs. The newly signed MoU aims to revitalize this partnership, expanding the scope of scientific engagement and innovation.
The 2025 MoU outlines various collaborative initiatives, including the exchange of scientific information, research materials, and scientists, joint S&T seminars, training programs, and research projects. Key areas of focus include biological sciences, food technology, water and environmental technologies, fuel and mining sciences, metallurgy, material sciences, alternative energy, polymer sciences, drug discovery, and more.
Senior leadership from CSIR, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and NAST attended the signing ceremony, discussing strategies for effective collaboration and priority research areas. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi emphasized CSIR’s commitment to deepening scientific ties with Nepal, highlighting the immense potential for joint research and capacity-building. Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba reaffirmed Nepal’s dedication to strengthening S&T cooperation with India, advocating for the formation of subject-specific working groups to drive focused collaboration.
With this MoU, CSIR and NAST have reaffirmed their shared vision of leveraging science and technology for innovation, economic progress, and regional development. This renewed partnership marks a new chapter in Indo-Nepal scientific cooperation, opening doors to advanced research and knowledge exchange.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and official announcements. Any further developments or modifications to the MoU will be subject to official communications from CSIR and NAST.
