These mergers in the U.K. prompted the promotion of the concept of forming a National Institute to continue all the functions so far performed by the PRI, Indian Section (Rubber). After due deliberation and consultations, the Indian Rubber Institute (IRI) was formed and registered under the West Bengal Societies Act XXVI of 1961 at Kolkata on 25 May, 1987.
The IRI was formally inaugurated by Mr. N. H. Godfrey, the then Chairman of Council, PRI, U.K. on 17 September, 1988 at New Delhi. The first meeting of the Governing Council of the IRI was held on 1July, 1988 at the Ambassador Hotel, Mumbai.
