Advanced chemicals, petrochemicals and material technology have been included in the research‑development and innovation (RDI) scheme.

The Central Government has recently added advanced chemicals, petrochemicals, and material technologies as a key pillar within its Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) plan.

This move aims to strengthen indigenous technological capabilities in these strategic sectors, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance India’s competitiveness in global value chains. Under the plan, selected institutions, start‑ups, and industries will receive grants, loan guarantees, and co‑development platforms, thereby accelerating the development of innovation‑based products.

In recent years, India has made remarkable progress in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and information technology, yet a technological gap remains in advanced chemicals and petrochemicals. In this context, the government plans to establish a collaborative platform adopting an industry‑academia‑research model, where national laboratories, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and private companies will jointly work on alternative raw materials, energy‑efficient processes, and high‑performance materials.

Experts believe that this initiative will not only increase the availability of competitive products in the domestic market but also improve export capacity. Additionally, it will create new jobs and skill‑development opportunities, generating broad economic benefits. Thus, incorporating advanced chemicals, petrochemicals, and material technologies into the RDI plan is a step toward India’s industrial development.