Annual Report 2005-2006

International Science & Technology Cooperation

The International Science and Technology Cooperation Division deals with the international Scientific and Technological Affairs including the negotiations, conclusions and implementation of Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreements and Programmes of Cooperation. Such arrangements are being created under bilateral, multilateral or regional framework modes for facilitating and strengthening interactions among governments, academia, institutions and industries in the areas of mutual interest. The Division operates in close cooperation with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and Foreign missions in India and UN bodies. Science Counsellors are also posted in Berlin, Moscow, Tokyo and Washington to facilitate cooperation with respective countries to which they are accredited. India currently has bilateral S&T cooperation agreements with 68 countries.

The collaborations in selected areas of mutual interest with various developed , developing/ less industrialized and CIS countries are materialized through various modes of cooperation like: Exploratory missions of scientific delegations; Exchange visits of Scientists for collaborative work and information exchange; Fellowships/training/study visits for Indian Scientists abroad and foreign scientists in India, Joint Workshops , Development and implementation of joint R&D programmes, joint projects and collaborative R&D programmes; Support to Indian Scientists to access major international research facilities abroad; Establishment of Joint Centers of Excellence; Joint preparation of state -of - the art reports etc.

During the current year, higher emphasis has been given on establishing / setting-up of Joint Centers of Excellence; Networking Research Programmes between Indian and Internationally reputed research institutions ; Conclusion of arrangements for international incremental support for scientific infrastructure at Indian research laboratories; Indian participation in international research projects; Joint collaborative projects with substantial funding ( beyond visits' support ) ; Enabling technology transfer and conclusion of Agreements with other countries including IPR.

Major Scientific Highlights

Bilateral Programmes

Bilateral Programmes have been implemented with Argentina; Armenia; Bangladesh; Belarus; Brazil; Bulgaria; Columbia, Canada; China; Cuba; Egypt; European Union; France; Germany; Hungary; Indonesia; Iran; Italy; Japan; Korea (DPR); Kazakhstan; Malaysia; Mauritius; Mexico; Myanmar; Nepal; Philippines; Poland; Portugal; Republic of Korea; Russia; Singapore; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Switzerland; Syria; Taiwan; Thailand; Tunisia; Ukraine; United kingdom; United States of America; Uzbekistan and Vietnam and other countries such as Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Ireland and Georgia etc.

Collaborative Projects in Specific Areas

Collaboration between Indian and counterpart foreign groups / scientists are supported through joint projects. These are generally implemented through exchange visits of scientists involved in respective project. However, depending on the level of mutual interest and funding available, some major projects are provided with additional funding for facilities, manpower and running costs. The projects were implemented in various areas like, Material Science, Accelerators, Microsystems, Computer Sciences, Biomedical Technology, nanotechnology etc. A list of some of such projects is given below:

• Surface modification approach to control biofouling (National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai and University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Bulgaria)
• Dark Energy, Dark matter and their connection to the physics of the early universe (IUCAA, Pune and National Academy of Sciences, Ukraine)
• Development of low-cost-energy density lead-acid batteries (Central Electro-Chemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India and Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems, Bulgaria)
• Development of prosthetic and physiotherapy devices (Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad and Institute of Radio-electronics, Moscow)
• Development of Autonomous Under-Water Vehicles (AUV) (National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India and Institute of Robotics, Lisbon, Portugal)
• Physics of earthquake and comprehensive analyses of multi-parameter observations for precursory research (Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun and Institute of Physics of Earth, Moscow)
• Kinetic and Mechanistic Investigations of Oxo-Transfer Reactions Catalyzed by Ruthenium Model Complexes of Cytochrome P-450 Mono-Oxygenase (Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur and University of Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany)
• Electronically tunable structures in interface regions of nano-materials and detailed structural and magnetic characterization using Mossbauer Spectroscopy (University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad and Institute for Nanotechnology, Germany)
• Reaction Synthesis and characterization of Iron and Titanium Aluminides Processes from Ni-P Coated Powders (IIT, Roorkee and University of Mining and Metallurgy, Poland)
• Pathogenecity island in Salmonella typhi and its role in pathogenesis and invading host immune system (IISc., Bangalore and Friedrich-Alexander University, Germany)
• Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Alternative Cryogenic Insulation System for 4.2 K temperature range - Performance study of adhesive aluminum tape at 4.2 K along with intermediate thermal shield (Nuclear Science Centre, Delhi and Waroclaw University of Technology, Poland)
• Fabrication of Biosensor for toxicity detection using fluorescent using nano-crystals bio-conjugates (Allahabad University, Allahabad and L.M. University, Munich, Germany)

Networking Research Programmes

• Indo-French Networking Research Programme: This programme allows for a reinforcement of Indo-French scientific partnerships by enhancing the build-up of thematic Joint Research Networks in priority areas of the two countries. Five joint projects in the field of - Environmental sciences ( water, water treatment, management, quality, climate change ) , Lasers and Information Technology have been selected for implementation.
• Indo-US Materials Research Network: During the year, India joined Material's World Network: Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US investigators and their counterparts abroad as a partner country. Under this programme, a joint call for proposal was issued. 11 joint projects received are being assessed by both the sides.

Progress Underway

Indo-US Collaborative Programme on Nanotechnology: In the 4th meeting of High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG) held in New Delhi during November, 30 - December,1, 2005, an Indo-US collaborative programme on Nanotechnology was agreed. For this purpose, a joint working group comprising of representatives from both the sides is to be set up soon.

Algeria, Ethiopia and Uganda: Bilateral Inter-governmental S&T Agreements with Algeria, Ethiopia and Uganda are being negotiated.

Finland: A delegation of the Finland Academic visited India and discussions were held on initiating a India-Finland Cooperation in S&T.

Mozambique: Indian expert team visited Mozambique in order to enhance the Bilateral S&T Cooperation between India and Mozambique and helped in developing programmes for sustainable livelihood in Mozambique with S&T interventions. A Programme of Cooperation in S&T between India and Mozambique is also under consideration.

Norway: Discussions were held with Norwegian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture to initiate India-Norwegian S&T Cooperation. A Joint Working Group was formed to identify the areas and modes of cooperation.

Singapore: A Programme of Co-operation (POC) in Science and Technology is being discussed. A draft of which has been conveyed to the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

South Korea: First Meeting of India-ROK Joint S&T Committee was held in Seoul during August 29 - 2nd September, 2005 and identified specific project proposals in the areas of Biotechnology, Nano Science & Technology and Information Technology for cooperation between the two sides.

Slovak Republic: Deliberations are underway to hold the first meeting of the Indo-Slovak Joint Science & Technology Committee in Bratislava where a new Programme of Cooperation for the period 2005-2007 will be concluded.

Sudan: A Programme of Cooperation in S&T is under consideration.

Switzerland: Pursuant to the Inter - Governmental Agreement signed between India and Switzerland, 12 new joint research projects in the area of Information Technology and Genomics were received against the joint call for proposals. Indo-Swiss POC for the year 2006-2007 is being worked out.

Taiwan: Cooperation in S&T between India and Taiwan gained momentum during the period under report. A series of exchange visits of scientific delegation as well as joint workshops in the area of Retrofit of Buildings; Nano Science and Materials and Functional Genomics were organized.

Thailand: A Programme of Co-operation (POC) in Science and Technology with the Department of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Thailand has been finalized.

United Kingdom: Discussions are underway to elevate the existing Joint S&T Committee to Indo-UK 'Science and Innovation Council' basically with a view to enhance the existing level of cooperation as also to address the possible involvement of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of both sides.

Regional Programmes

Regional Programmes include, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC); BIMSTEC ( Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation); and IOR-ARC ( Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation) and with ASEAN.

ASEAN: 5th Meeting of ASEAN-India Working Group on Science & Technology (AIWGST) was held at Manesar during November 21-22, 2005. Twenty participants, representing 10 Member States in the ASEAN Region and the ASEAN Secretariat participated in the Meeting. An equal number of Indian participants also joined the deliberations. Progress of on going projects was reviewed. A major project on "Thermally Sprayed Coating" was formulated in close consultation with participating Member States. The project is ready for implementation. The Indian side proposed three new proposals:

• The organization of ASEAN-India Technology Summit to bring in academia and industries together to address to possible tie-ups with public / private sector enterprises. Announcement for the same was made by the Hon'ble prime Minister of India during India- ASEAN summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (11-14 December, 2005).
• A new initiative to strengthen the existing level of exchange of scientists/technologists through well defined mechanisms / modalities.

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC): BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate (Virtual Phase) became functional at NCMRWF, NOIDA. A workshop on Weather & Climate under the broad framework of the two topics Disaster Management & Mitigation and Oceanography identified by the BIMSTEC Expert Group for development of common programmes was held at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), NOIDA, India from 21 to 23 July 2005. The workshop was attended by the delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC): A 2-days Workshop on Disaster Mitigation and Management, Tropical Cyclones related issues was held at TERI-RETREAT, Gurgaon during 16th and 17th March, 2005. Prof. V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, DST and Ambassador T.Z.A. Samsudeen, Executive Director of IOR-ARC Coordinating Secretariat inaugurated the Workshop. Eleven Member Countries of IOR-ARC, namely: Australia, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand and Yemen participated in the Workshop. Renowned scientists/ experts in the field of Meteorology, Seismology, Oceanography, Disaster Management as well as some prominent NGOs from India took active part in the deliberations of the Workshop.

Multilateral Programmes

Multilateral Programmes were implemented under STEPAN; UNESCO; TWAS and IBSA Cooperation.

UNESCO Ministerial Round Table on Basic Sciences: UNESCO Ministerial Round Table on "The Basic Sciences: The Scientific Lever for Development" was held at Paris during October 13- 14, 2005. It provided a platform for debating on Challenges to be taken on by basic sciences in its service to society and actions by governments, scientific community and role of UNESCO thereof, to build adequate capacity in basic sciences to fulfill socio-economic needs of member states.

This was attended by over 150 participants drawn from 68 countries, Minister of State for Science & Technology from India, was amongst the 16 keynote speakers. The Communiqué on Basic Sciences adopted by UNESCO on conclusion of the Round Table includes Indian Interventions on UNESCO's proactive role for developing countries for promoting equitable access to scientific information and literature; assisting in feasibility studies to transform research institutes into academic institutes and vice versa; developing model curricula at secondary and undergraduate level teaching suited to emerging knowledge economies.

India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA): Two Meetings of the IBSA S&T group were held to identify the priority areas and activities for consideration of the IBSA S&T Ministers. The 2nd Meeting of IBSA S&T Ministers was held in Brazil and activities for FY 2005-06 were approved. Five trilateral workshops were held in the areas of Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Nano-science and technology (South Africa), Genomics (India) and Ocean Science (Brazil) for identifying future activities in these areas.

Utilization of Major International Research Facilities

19 scientific experiments on Italian Synchrotron Facility at Trieste (Elettra) were conducted on Elettra beamlines such as XRD, XAFS, BACH, BEAR, VUV PHOTOEMMISSION by Indian scientists who were sponsored by DST for utilizing various advanced research facilities under joint programmes.

Academic/Training/Study Visits/Fellowships to Young Scientists

• DST-ICTP Agreement Based Fellowships: Seven fellowships were awarded to Indian scientists for attending seven ICTP scientific events at Trieste in the fields of physics of condensed matter, physics of living state and mathematics.
• DST-DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): About 135 joint projects enabling focused interaction through annual exchanges of about 350 scientists/research students from each side have been supported so far. The Programme emphasizes on academic training to young scientists at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. It has resulted in more then 100 joint publications and training of more then 150 Indian PhD students.
• ILTP Fellowship for Russian Scientists: Fellowship is awarded to young Russian Scientist for working in Indian laboratories on the pre-identified problems of mutual interest.
• DST- Lindau Committee for Meeting of Nobel Laureates : A team of 24 young researchers in tri-disciplinary areas (Physics, Chemistry & Physiology and Medicine ) in the age group of 20- 35 years was selected through open call and deputed to meet and interact with Nobel Laureates & Students in Lindau Germany (Figure 3.1). The young Indian researchers were also exposed to various premier research institutes in Germany.

Figure 3.1: Young Researchers with Nobel Laureate in Lindau, Germany

Joint Centers of Excellence

Joint Centers of excellence are set up with some of the bilateral partner countries. Each of these centers is located at an Indian or foreign institution around existing capabilities and infrastructure. They are basically meant for facilitating focused and integrated interaction / collaboration between Indian and partner country institutions in identified fields of mutual interest. The activities are guided by their respective Joint Advisory Committee or such mechanism.

Indo-French Center on Organic Synthesis (IFCOS),IISc, Bangalore: Annual Seminar on Organic Synthesis was organized at IICT ,Hyderabad during 23-24th October 2005 with the objective of encouraging Indo-French interaction and sharing of knowledge in the area of organic synthesis .

Indo-French Laboratory for Solid State Chemistry ( IFLaSC), IISc, Bangalore: Annual work plan of the center was finalized and 8 new projects like - Carbon Nanostructures derived from non-biodegradable plastics as high-capacity lithium insertions anodes were included.

Indo-French Institute of Mathematics (IFIM): The institute aims at supporting Programmes in Mathematics under the framework.

Russian - Indian Center for Aurvedic Research, Moscow: A project on "Genotype-Phenotype Correlation based on the principles of Ayurveda with special focus on Prakriti" is under implementation.

Indo-Russian Center for Gas Hydrates, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai: During the first successful joint expedition at lake Baikal for Gas Hydrate studies in September 2005, longest sample of 1.2 m length of gas hydrate was collected. Eight joint projects are under implementation through this center including development of remotely operated submersible for the gas hydrate sampling capable of operating up to the water depth of 6000 m, which is likely to be commissioned in 2006.

Indo-Russian Center for Earthquake Research, India Meteorological Department, New Delhi: India Meteorological Department and Institute of Physics of Earth & Design Bureau for Geophysical Instruments are the coordinating agencies from the Indian and Russian side respectively. Seventeen joint R&D projects are being coordinated by the centre. These projects include those for pre-cursor studies, simulations, disaster mitigation and developing techno-morphic maps of the high seismic regions.

Bharat Immunological and Biologicals Corporation Ltd, Bulandshahr: The plant has been supplying over 200 million doses of polio vaccine annually. It has been receiving continuous help and inspiration from Russia. The plant is currently working on diversification in the areas of measles, BCG and Hepatitis B vaccines with Russian collaboration.

Russian - Indian Centre for Advanced Computing Research, Moscow : The parallel computing system PARAM 10000 was installed at the Centre. The relationship is poised to a new level with plans to install the next generation PARAM Padma and to address markets, R&D and product development in Russia (viz production of PARAM Padma RU). Projects on development of software for the applications like Computational Fluid Dynamics, Seismic Data Processing and Development of Parallel Compiler were implemented.

Indo-Russian Centre for Biotechnology, Allahabad: The center organized Indo-Russian workshops on "Intelligent Signal Processing", "IPR in Pharmaceutical Industries" and "Applied Biotechnology and Bio-Informatics". Two projects on (i) Development of prosthetic and physiotherapy devices and (ii) Development of computer aided diagnostics for cardio-vascular disease using biomedical images and signals are under implementation.

Proposed New Joint Centres of Excellence: A few more new joint centers are proposed to be
established under bilateral / multilateral S&T Cooperation programme of India with other countries as per the recommendation made during their respective joint S&T committees. These are:

• Indo-Italian Centre of Excellence on MEMS (Virtual)
• Indo-Italian Centre for Enabling Web Technologies & their Applications (Virtual)
• Russian - Indian Technology Information and Commercialization Centre , Moscow, Russia
• Indo-Russian Centre for Biomedical Technology and Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, India
• Indo-Russian Advanced Research Centre on Non-ferrous and Rare Metals(IRCNFRM), Jamshedpur, India
• UNESCO Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training & Education, India

Joint Workshops /Seminars

Joint workshops / seminars are used as an effective mechanism to exchange information with scientists from partner countries; identify mutual topics of interests; and jointly formulate collaborative programmes. Especially, interaction with international scientific community in cutting edge areas of S&T is indispensable.

To fulfill this objective, a number of joint workshops / seminars have been organized between Indian and foreign scientists. The broad area areas : Biotechnology with focus on food safety and security (Argentina), Physics of Semiconductor Devices (EC); Nano Science & Technology, Bitumen and cold emulsion (Belarus); Traditional Medicines, Natural Disasters, and Agriculture (China); Organic Synthesis, Astronomy Network, Nano-biotechnology and Infrared free-electron Laser and their applications(France); Molecular sciences, advanced materials, Biology of Inselberg (Hungary) , Promoting and Facilitating Innovation driven new venture (Israel); Manufacturing Sciences and surface & interface sciences (Japan); Computer Aided System for Human Physiology (Russia), Physics of ADS for Energy & Transmutation (Russia); Inorganic Chemistry (Russia), Homeopathy (Russia), Yogic Sciences (Russia), Earthquake Engineering-Seismic Evaluation of Retrofit of Reinforced Concrete Buildings and Functional Genomics (Taiwan); Regional climate change and Nextgeneration Communication Networks. Stem Cell Research and Liquid Crystal Research (UK); Techmuller Theory and Moduli Problems and Urban Housing and Supporting Infrastructure (USA).

Enabling Technology Development & Transfer/ Special Events

11th Technology Summit and Technology Platform: DST (International Division) in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organized "Technology Summit" at New Delhi in September 2005 with Canada as a partner country (Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.2: Indo-Canada Technology Summit at New Delhi

India R&D 2005: The world's knowledge hub of the future: DST in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organized an international conference at New Delhi in November 2005. Hon'ble President of India Sri. APJ Abdul Kalam , delivered the inaugural lecture on 'Missions for Knowledge Hub' (Figure 3.3) and emphasized on the three major components required for the evolution of knowledge Hub:

• Attracting youth for science learning and career
• Focused National R&D programmes and
• Urge for the industry to become internationally competitive.

Figure 3.3 : Hon'ble President of India Delivering the Inaugural Lecture

High Level Visits

Visits of a number of high level delegations for promoting S&T Cooperation between India and other countries were coordinated. Some of the Ministerial level visits include Mr. James S. Peterson, Minister of International Trade, Canada and Prof. Dariel Valchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Science, Bulgaria. Hon'ble Minister of State for S&T (Independent Charge), Shri. Kapil Sibal visited Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Iceland, France, Israel, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom and USA. Also, there were visits of Heads of various Foreign Scientific Agencies abroad towards initiation/ strengthening of bilateral S&T relations.

New Agreements

New Intergovernmental S&T cooperation agreements were signed with Canada, Colombia, Iceland, Ireland and Republic of Korea, Sweden and USA include detailed protocol on IPR. Inter-governmental Agreement between India and Serbia & Montenegro on scientific collaboration was ratified and a Joint Committee on Science & Technology has been structured to steer the programme. A joint statement between the Department of Science and Technology and Spanish Centre for the Development of Industrial technology ( CDTI) was signed in India on 4th April, 2005 and a draft Agreement on S&T Cooperation has been sent to Spanish side. A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DST and The State of Maryland, USA was also signed (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4 : Signing of Indo-US S&T Umbrella Agreement

An Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Research & Development Initiative was signed between Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and The Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor, Govt of the State of Israel on May 30, 2005 in Israel by Hon'ble Minister for Science &Technology & Ocean Development, Shri Kapil Sibal and Mr. Ehud Olmert, Vice PM & Minister for Industry, Trade & Labour, Israel from the Israeli side. The IIRDCI will support projects of Industrial R&D aimed at the development of products or processes to be commercialized in the global market.

MoUs on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and Science Foundation of Ireland as well as between Department of Science & Technology and the Korea Industrial Technology Foundation (KOTEF) were concluded.

Review and Monitoring

Programme Advisory Committee (PAC): At present, 8 PACs are assisting the division in the assessment of Joint R&D projects. 16 meetings of the PACs were held during the year. The PACs considered more than 400 joint projects and recommended nearly 250 R&D joint projects for support under bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation activities.

Joint Committee/Joint Council Meetings for Review and Renewal of Programmes of Cooperation (POC) : In order to identify areas of mutual interest, agree upon modes / periodic executive programmes, implementation modalities, review the progress and take measures for promoting / re-orienting cooperation programmes of mutual benefit of all concerned, Joint S&T committees or Scientific Councils or Working Groups are established and convened on a regular basis alternatively in India and the partner countries. DST as nodal agency coordinates with the Indian Scientific agencies and institutions and convenes the joint meetings in liaison with partner nodal agencies.

Such meetings were held with ASEAN, Australia, Belarus, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, European Commission, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The special feature of this year's meetings was the signing of POC s with Japan, Sweden and Republic of Korea for the first time.

13th meeting of ILTP joint Council was held at New Delhi in November 2005. The council approved 112 projects (30 new and 82 for continuation) for implementation under the programme (Figure 3.5).

The First meeting of the newly constituted Indo- Brazil Science Council was held at Rio de Janeiro during June, 22-23, 2005. Six areas of Cooperation namely: Molecular Sciences and Materials; Material Science and Engineering including Nano Science; Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology; Physical Sciences; Computer Science, Computer Modeling and Simulation and Ocean and marine Science and Technology have been identified.

Figure 3.5: Joint Council meeting of Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP)

Joint Centers for Promotion of R&D

Indo-French Center for Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR)

The Centre continued to support collaborative research projects in front line research areas and fostered the linkages between research and industry of the two countries. The Programme linking industry and research has grown steadily. The Centre also encouraged exchange of young doctoral and post-doctoral carrying out research as part of the collaborative projects. More than 60 joint research projects supported by the Centre are being implemented at present. During the current year, DST provided clearance for 15 of the 19 projects recommended at the 35th Meeting of the Scientific Council of IFCPAR held at Nantes, France from May 9-13, 2005 and 36th Meeting from 21-26th October 2005 at Kochi.

Indo-US S&T Forum

The first Roundtable on Indo-US public-private R&D cooperation was held in partnership with FICCI followed by a specific meeting on Integrated Design & Manufacturing in Nov 2005. Optoelectronics, MEMS devices and biomedical engineering have been identified as areas of Cooperation. Forum coordinated partnering between US & Indian institutions towards training programs in (a) Science, Technology & Innovation Program { Harvard University-DST}; (b) Monitoring & Assessment of Biodiversity {Smithsonian Institution-Forum}; (c) Indo-US Technology Management (IPR) Program {NIH-TIFAC}. A pilot project with public-private partnership in the application of remote sensing towards enhancing agricultural productivity has been seeded by the Forum.

Center for Science and Technology of the NON-Aligned and Other Developing Countries(NAM S&T Center)

India is the host country for NAMS&T Center located in New Delhi. Indonesia is the President with India and Egypt as two Vice Presidents of the centre. The centre organized 6 workshops/discussion meets on topics of mutual interests. 3 young scientists were supported for training on S&T Management and International Cooperation. Apart from paying the annual subscription, DST supported travel of one resource person for each of the workshops.