ABSTRACT
Among developing countries, India occupies a position that is almost unique. It has tremendous natural resources available for development and has worked since independence to capitalize on these resources by endeavouring to train technically competent manpower and to build an indigenous science and technology (S&T) base. The establishment of national laboratories and the priority given to S&T after independence have revived general interest in science and research. Top students with degrees in the basic sciences from the best Indian institutions are also tempted by greener professional pastures outside the country. India has approximately two hundred universities that are recognized by the government and managed under the University Grants Commission. Improving Indian research in the basic sciences will involve actions of various sorts and will require the cooperation of donors, Indian authorities and institutions, and the Indian industrial sector.
