Jamshedpur: As part of the Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP-II) for Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers, two senior diplomats visited the CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) in Jamshedpur to gain first-hand exposure to India’s capabilities in metallurgical research, mineral technologies and industrial innovation.
The visiting officers—Sushil Prasad, Deputy High Commissioner at the Embassy of India in Nairobi, Kenya, and Md. Shahid Alam, Counsellor at the High Commission of India in London, United Kingdom—completed the Jamshedpur leg of their training programme on July 8.
The visit formed part of the Ministry’s effort to provide serving diplomats with deeper insights into India’s scientific institutions, industrial ecosystem and technological advancements that can support economic diplomacy abroad.
Interaction with CSIR-NML Leadership
During their visit, the officers held detailed discussions with Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director of CSIR-NML, along with the institute’s Heads of Departments.
The scientists presented a comprehensive overview of the laboratory’s:
- Research capabilities
- Ongoing research and development programmes
- Technology development initiatives
- Contributions to the minerals, metals and materials sectors
- Industry-oriented innovations and technology transfer efforts
The interaction provided the diplomats with a broader understanding of how India’s premier scientific institutions contribute to industrial growth, strategic sectors and sustainable development.
Exposure to Advanced Research Facilities
The officers toured several state-of-the-art research facilities at CSIR-NML, where scientists demonstrated advanced technologies and ongoing projects.
Among the facilities visited were:
- Creep Testing Laboratory
- Hot Dip Process Simulator (HDPS) Laboratory
- Urban Ore Recycling Centre
- Magnesium Metal Production and Distillation Facility
During the visits, researchers explained the scientific processes, technological innovations and industrial applications associated with each facility, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in advanced materials and sustainable metallurgy.
District Officials Accompanied the Delegation
The IFS officers were accompanied by officials from the local administration, including:
- District Mining Officer
- Representatives from the District Industries Centre (DIC), Jamshedpur
- Officials from the District Industries Centre, Chaibasa
The participation of district officials added a regional perspective by showcasing Jharkhand’s mineral-rich economy and the role of scientific institutions in supporting industrial development.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Throughout the visit, the discussions emphasised CSIR-NML’s contributions in developing technologies that support:
- Sustainable mining practices
- Efficient metal extraction and processing
- Recycling of valuable materials
- Circular economy initiatives
- Industrial competitiveness
Particular attention was given to research on urban ore recycling and magnesium production, areas that are increasingly important for strategic industries, clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Diplomats Appreciate CSIR-NML’s Research Ecosystem
The visiting diplomats appreciated CSIR-NML’s world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research facilities and its significant contribution to India’s scientific and industrial ecosystem.
They also acknowledged the institute’s efforts in promoting technological innovation, supporting industry through research and developing sustainable solutions for the minerals and metals sector.
According to CSIR-NML, the visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange between the scientific community and India’s diplomatic service.
Strengthening Scientific Diplomacy
The Mid-Career Training Programme aims to familiarise serving Indian diplomats with India’s technological strengths and innovation ecosystem, enabling them to better promote the country’s scientific capabilities and industrial achievements on global platforms.
By interacting directly with premier research institutions like CSIR-NML, diplomats gain insights that can support international collaborations, technology partnerships and investment opportunities in strategic sectors.
The visit concluded on a highly interactive and mutually beneficial note, with both sides exchanging perspectives on science, innovation and India’s expanding global engagement.
About CSIR-NML
Established under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) in Jamshedpur is one of India’s premier research institutions dedicated to minerals, metals and materials research. The laboratory plays a key role in developing technologies for mineral beneficiation, metal extraction, materials engineering, recycling, corrosion science and sustainable industrial processes.
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