India has been the dialogue partner for ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) since 1992. In 2012, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary as a dialogue partner, India-ASEAN celebrated commemorative Summit. They declared enhancement of its relations to the strategic level. The Plan of Action of the ASEAN-INDIA PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE, PROGRESS AND SHARED PROSPERITY (2016-2020). Further implements the goals and objectives of the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity on 30 November 2004 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Also,  the Vision Statement of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. Which was adopted by the Leaders of ASEAN and India on 20 December 2012 in New Delhi, India.

Moreover, Through the implementation of this Plan of Action, ASEAN and India will work towards supporting the ASEAN Community building and integration process, including the ASEAN Community’s Post-2015 Vision. Further, for a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible. Also, a truly people-oriented, people-centered and rules-based ASEAN, narrowing the development gap and enhancing ASEAN Connectivity. Both sides will also further promote cooperation in addressing common. Along with, emerging challenges and enhance coordination in another international forum on issues of common concern to contribute to overall peace, stability, and prosperity.

Benefit

Full financial assistance will be to the selected Fellows which will include the following:

• All international travel related expenses i.e round trip international airfare by excursion/ economy class. Also, by the shortest route from the international airport in the home country of the applicant to the international airport nearest to the host institution in India; visa fees, overseas medical insurance, etc.
• A consolidated Fellowship amount of Indian Rupees (INR) 50,000 per month (non-taxable) for accommodation, meals and other miscellaneous.
• A one-time grant of INR 40,000/- for 6 months period for research contingency expenses, airport transfers, domestic travel (by road) for attending scientific /events and field-trips within India, and Institutional overhead charges @ Rs. 2,500/- per month.
• The allowance above will be released to the host institution in India for disbursement to the Fellow. The Host Institution will arrange appropriate accommodation for the Fellow on a payment basis.

Eligibility

• Applicant must be holding the nationality of any of the ASEAN Member State.
• Possess at least a Masters Degree in any Natural Sciences or an equivalent degree in Technology / Engineering / Medicine / allied disciplines.
• Applicant should be working/studying and/or affiliated to any national R&D or academic institution in his/ her home ASEAN Member country. he/ she will be sanctioned leave for the Fellowship period and will join his/ her duties back in the institution on completion of the Fellowship in India.
• The upper age limit for the applicant is 45 years as on date of submission of application.
• Applicants who have already availed Research Training Fellowship (RTF) are not eligible to apply again.
• Fluency in the English language
• Indian nationals are not eligible for the Fellowship
• Applicants who have availed any fellowship scheme of Govt of India during last 5 years are not eligible to apply.