In a landmark step towards bolstering Science and Technology (S&T) collaboration, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18th February 2025 at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. The agreement, signed by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, and Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor, NAST, establishes a robust framework for fostering bilateral scientific and technological cooperation. 

CSIR and NAST share a rich history of collaboration, dating back to 1994 when a foundational agreement was signed between CSIR and then-RONAST (now NAST), leading to joint research initiatives, workshops, and training programmes. The newly signed MoU revitalizes and expands this relationship, focusing on key areas such as biological sciences, food technology, water and environmental technologies, fuel and mining sciences, metallurgy, materials sciences—including glass, ceramics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology—alternative energy, leather and footwear technologies, metrology, polymer sciences, and drug discovery. The agreement facilitates joint research projects, the exchange of scientific information, access to major research facilities, technology partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives. 

During the signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from CSIR, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and NAST, discussions centred on the modalities of collaboration and strategic focus areas for research. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi emphasized CSIR’s commitment to strengthening technology partnerships with Nepal, highlighting the immense untapped potential for cooperative scientific advancements. She stressed the need for swift implementation of the MoU through a structured action plan. Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba reaffirmed NAST’s dedication to this partnership, underlining Nepal’s strong interest in leveraging India's scientific expertise. He proposed forming subject-specific working groups to streamline collaboration in priority sectors. 

With the signing of this MoU, CSIR and NAST have reinforced their shared vision of harnessing scientific and technological innovations to drive progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. This renewed partnership marks a significant milestone in Indo-Nepal scientific relations, opening new avenues for research, knowledge exchange, and long-term cooperation.