New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) have successfully concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the bloc’s flagship research and innovation programme, paving the way for deeper scientific and technological collaboration.
The association will enable Indian researchers, institutions and industries to participate in the programme’s funding calls through joint research projects and gain access to European research consortia and advanced research infrastructure.
It is also expected to facilitate the exchange of scientific talent and promote the joint development of critical technologies, standards and innovative solutions.
Horizon Europe’s Pillar II covers key research areas, including health, digital technologies, industry and space, climate, energy and mobility, food and the bioeconomy. These themes align closely with India’s research priorities and scientific strengths.
The government said the association would strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and contribute to the country’s ambition of achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
The process to explore India’s association with the programme began after the India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026. Formal negotiations were launched following the ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council in Brussels on July 15, 2026.
The partnership builds on existing research and development initiatives under the India-EU Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and the Trade and Technology Council.
