With a shared vision of strengthening capacity building, research collaboration, technology partnerships for the advancement of countries of the Global South, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and DAKSHIN – Global South Centre of Excellence at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) signed a Letter of Association (LoA) on 3 November 2026.
DAKSHIN envisions fostering knowledge sharing and mutual learning among countries of the Global South by promoting the development of sustainable, affordable and locally relevant solutions. Through the sharing of resources, technology transfer, exchange of experiences and collaborative strategies, DAKSHIN seeks to address common developmental challenges and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, CSIR brings to the partnership its extensive scientific and technological knowledge base, along with a portfolio of ready-to-deploy, affordable and adaptable technologies with significant relevance to the developmental needs of the Global South. These technologies offer considerable potential for wider dissemination, industry-led implementation and facilitation of entrepreneurship across partner countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rama Swami Bansal, Head, International S&T Affairs Directorate, CSIR, underscored the importance of international engagement among countries of the Global South and highlighted the potential for developing innovative models of collaborative partnerships to address shared developmental priorities.
Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma, Director General, RIS, observed that the association with CSIR would mark a significant milestone in translating scientific expertise and technological innovations into collaborative, impactful solutions for countries across the Global South. He particularly highlighted the potential for cooperation in key areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, the blue economy and the digital economy.
Fostering joint policy studies to identify innovative and context-specific solutions to developmental challenges.
Engaging relevant institutions and agencies to facilitate the scaling up of development interventions.
Promoting capacity building, human resource development and skill upgradation.
Documenting and sharing development experiences, best practices and success stories to strengthen collective self-reliance among countries of the Global South.
The association is expected to provide a meaningful platform for enhancing South-South cooperation, catalysing international partnerships and facilitating the transfer, adaptation and deployment of appropriate science and technology solutions. By leveraging CSIR’s scientific and technological expertise and DAKSHIN’s global engagement platform, the collaboration aims to support the development and dissemination of affordable, sustainable and locally relevant technology solutions and products, contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable development across the Global South.