Applications are invited for the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship for post-graduates in Natural Sciences or an equivalent degree in technology, engineering, medicine, or allied disciplines.
India has been a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 1992. To mark the 20th anniversary of this partnership in 2012, India and ASEAN held a commemorative summit, during which they elevated their relationship to a strategic level.
The collaboration between ASEAN and India in the field of Science and Technology (S&T) formally began in 1996 with the establishment of the ASEAN-India S&T Working Group (AIWGST). Initially, S&T activities were funded through the ASEAN-India Fund (AIF), provided by the Government of India. In 2008, the Government of India established a dedicated fund—the ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF)—to further support projects and related development activities. The AISTDF, which is equivalent to 5 million USD, is jointly contributed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The DST serves as the nodal department responsible for the implementation and execution of the ASEAN-India S&T Cooperation program from the Indian side.
The Plan of Action for the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress, and Shared Prosperity (2021-2025) outlines the goals and objectives of the ASEAN-India Partnership and reflects the Vision Statements of ASEAN and Indian leaders. Under this plan, both parties are committed to supporting the ASEAN Community building and integration process, striving for a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, and people-oriented ASEAN. They aim to narrow the development gap, enhance ASEAN Connectivity, and promote collaboration to address emerging challenges. Furthermore, they seek to strengthen coordination in international forums on issues of mutual concern, contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
To support and encourage the mobility of young, talented researchers from ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam), India and ASEAN launched the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AIRTF) Scheme, providing opportunities for young researchers to work at Indian research and academic institutions.
As a spin-off, the Fellowship awardees may also have opportunity to get co-supervisors from India for their research projects for Ph.D. or Masters degree on their return to their home countries.
Fifty (50) fellowships per year shall be awarded to young scientists and researchers from ASEAN-Member States to get affiliated with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
The duration of the Fellowship will be for a period of two to six months. No request for extension \ reduction in duration period shall be entertained after award of the fellowship.
ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) program shall be managed and coordinated by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), New Delhi.
The area/ topic of research for availing AIRTF must be ASEAN centric and must be aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI). The fellowship is offered for working in research topics under any of the following broad disciplines:
The selected Fellow is advised to take an appropriate policy for health insurance coverage for the period of stay in India. The cost for obtaining overseas insurance policy is covered and reimbursable under AISTDF.
Neither the AISTDF nor the host institution in India will assume any responsibility whatsoever for the following expenditure of the Fellows during the tenure of the Fellowship
The applications are to be submitted only ONLINE at www.aistic.gov.in.
The hard copies of the application are neither required. The applications submitted through any other form or channel shall not be considered.
For online submission of the application the following points may be noted:
The Fellows will observe the regulations and procedures stipulated below. If they fail to do so, the Fellowship shall be withdrawn.
For More Information About AI-RTF program, please contact Mr. Vivek Kumar (airtfscholars [at] ficci [dot] com, vishal [dot] khanna [at] ficci [dot] com)
