DST was established in 1971 with the objective of promoting new areas of science and technology and to play the role of a nodal department for organizing, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. DST operates within the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology. Among other initiatives, it funds scientific research and international science engagement by Indian researchers. TWAS and DST have a cooperation agreement for PhD training, postdoctoral research and science diplomacy.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is a multidisciplinary research institute situated in Jakkur, a locality north of Bangalore, India. Its mandate is to pursue and promote world-class research and training at the frontiers of science and engineering. JNCASR is the host of TWAS's regional office for central and south Asia.