EU and India launch talks on association to Europe’s multi-billion research programme
The European Commission and India have today launched exploratory discussions aimed at India’s possible association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s €93.5 million flagship programme designed to foster research and innovation across international borders. This initiative follows the recent 16th EU-India Summit held in New Delhi, where both parties reiterated their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation on trade, security, science, innovation, and mobility.
If India becomes associated, Indian researchers and institutions would be able to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe and lead projects, with India making a financial contribution to the programme. The association will support structured, long-term collaboration between European and Indian research and innovation actors, facilitate joint projects under Horizon Europe, and strengthen cooperation on shared scientific and technological priorities.
EU-India cooperation on research and innovation is anchored by the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, initially signed in 2001 and extended until 2030 in the EU-India Summit last month, highlighting the commitment to mutual advancement in scientific fields.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said: “Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas. Exploring India’s association to Horizon Europe is about connecting talent, ambition and trust, and building solutions together at global scale.”
Currently, Horizon Europe maintains associations with 22 non-EU countries, establishing itself as the closest form of international cooperation in science and technology between the EU and countries beyond its borders. The list includes Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, while negotiations with Japan concluded successfully in December.