The India Science and Technology Partnership (INSTP) works closely with the Indo-U.S. Science & Technology Forum (www.indousstf.org ), a private grant making foundation based in New Delhi, to promote the interaction, in India and the United States, of government, academia and industry in science, technology and health. INSTP creates innovative programs of mutual benefit, with the aim of utilizing the natural synergy between India and the United States. Programs are designed to be catalytic in nature, involving the next generation of scientists and are interdisciplinary to the extent possible.  The Forum was created in March 2000 by formal agreement between the governments of India and the United States as a private institution to “facilitate and promote the interaction of government, academia, and industry in science and technology” between the two countries.  The Forum focuses on issues of common concern and activities of mutual benefit while exploring trends in science and technology.  It builds the relationships necessary for joint research and development, technology cooperation, and the promotion, exchange and dissemination of information on Indo-U.S. science and technology cooperation.

INSTP complements the activities of the Forum by:

• Conducting outreach among U.S. government technical and scientific agencies;
• Increasing and expanding contacts with the U.S. business community, academia, and professional and trade associations;
• Developing a closer relationship with legislative and executive branch offices interested in and supportive of closer bilateral relations with India; and
• Representing the Forum at conferences, seminars, and other events in the United States.

INSTP also manages the U.S. peer review process for the Forum’s grants program and maintains contact with U.S. members of the Forum Governing Body.