CSIR and DAKSHIN Join Hands to Drive Global Innovation

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the DAKSHIN–Global South Centre of Excellence have joined hands to accelerate science, technology, and innovation across developing nations. The two organizations formally signed a Letter of Association (LoA) on November 3, 2026.

This strategic partnership aims to boost research collaboration, drive technology transfers, and build institutional capacity among countries in the Global South. By pooling their strengths, CSIR and DAKSHIN will deliver affordable, sustainable, and locally relevant solutions to address shared socio-economic challenges.

What Is the CSIR–DAKSHIN Partnership?

The collaboration combines CSIR’s vast research network and advanced technology portfolio with DAKSHIN’s international platform for South-South cooperation.

CSIR offers a wide range of market-ready technologies that developing nations can easily adapt to their local needs. Meanwhile, DAKSHIN facilitates knowledge sharing, resource exchange, and multilateral dialogue across developing countries. Together, both bodies aim to encourage industry-led technology deployment and foster local entrepreneurship in partner nations.

Understanding DAKSHIN–Global South Centre of Excellence

DAKSHIN operates under the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). The center serves as a dedicated hub for knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and development policy research across the Global South.

DAKSHIN helps developing nations design context-specific solutions rather than relying on external models. Its overarching mission aligns directly with accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Core Sectors and Areas of Cooperation

Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General of RIS, highlighted five primary sectors for practical joint action:

• Healthcare: Deploying affordable medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical technologies.
• Agriculture: Developing climate-resilient farming techniques and locally adapted crop research.
• Infrastructure: Sharing scientific innovations to improve rural and urban infrastructure.
• Blue Economy: Promoting sustainable ocean management and marine resource development.
• Digital Economy: Enhancing digital tools, public tech platforms, and technical capabilities.

Key Objectives of the Letter of Association

The signed agreement establishes four main operational pillars:

1. Joint Policy Studies: Conducting research to identify innovative solutions for complex development problems.
2. Institutional Engagement: Connecting government agencies and private sector partners to scale scientific solutions.
3. Capacity Building & Skill Development: Training technical personnel and upgrading skills across participating nations.
4. Sharing Development Experiences: Documenting and distributing best practices to foster collective self-reliance.

Leadership Statements on the Strategic Alliance

Dr. Rama Swami Bansal, Head of the International S&T Affairs Directorate at CSIR, emphasized that collaborative partnerships empower developing countries to solve shared challenges through self-driven scientific research.

Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma noted that the alliance bridges the gap between laboratory research and real-world implementation, turning scientific ideas into practical, life-changing tools for millions.

Partnership Snapshot: Quick Details