AIWGST-14 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Sci & Tech)

Context:  The 14th meeting of ASEAN-India Working Group on Science and Technology (AIWGST-14) discussed joint cooperation initiatives and cooperation mechanism between ASEAN and India.

Key Points

• The Meeting of The Governing Council of ASEAN-INDIA Science and Technology Development Fund (GC-AISTDF-8) highlighted the importance of India's ASEAN technology partnership for prosperity of today and for the next generations.
• The India ASEAN Science and Technology partnership encompasses all aspects of Research and Innovation, essential for both nations to achieve new heights together. 
• Through the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund (AISTDF) and the Plans of Action for Peace, Progress, and Shared Prosperity, the collaboration extends to various areas like blue economy, healthcare, climate action, and sustainable development. 
• The aim is to leverage science and technology to bridge disparities between urban and rural areas, with a specific focus on developing affordable technologies.

AIWGST

• ASEAN-India Science & Technology Collaboration formally started in 1996 with establishment of ASEAN India S&T working group (AIWGST). 
• Initially, the collaborative S&T projects and activities between India and ASEAN were supported through ASEAN India Fund (AIF) but in 2008, a dedicated ASEAN India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF) with an equivalent amount of 1 million US $ was established jointly by MEA and DST to support R&D projects and associated project development activities. The AISTDF was enhanced to an equivalent amount of 5 Million US$ through an announcement by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on sidelines of ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia in November 2015. 
• The ASEAN-India Innovation Platform is the major element of enhanced AISTDF.

• Several projects and scientific activities have been supported and implemented under ASEAN India S&T program which includes:

• ASEAN-India Collaborative R&D on Thermally Sprayed Ceramic-Based Coatings.
• R&D project on Extent of Transfer of Alien Invasive Organisms (Nuisance) in South/SE Asia Region by Shipping.
• Training Course on Analysis of Chemicals and Biological Contaminants in Raw and Processed Products for ASEAN Countries.