The European Commission has extended an invitation to India to consider joining Horizon Europe, the EU’s €93.5 billion research and innovation programme. If India accepts, it will join an exclusive group of countries, including the United Kingdom, Israel, Switzerland, Canada, and South Korea, that have associated with the programme. This move signals a deepening of research and innovation ties between India and the European Union, paving the way for collaborative projects across various cutting-edge fields.
Strengthening EU-India Research Collaboration
The invitation was extended by EU research commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva during her visit to New Delhi, where she met with India’s science minister Jitendra Singh. Although no timeline has been provided for the negotiations, the potential association would mark a significant milestone in EU-India relations, further enhancing scientific cooperation and technological advancements.
During the visit, Zaharieva participated in the EU-India Trade and Technology Council meeting, where discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, such as climate neutrality, disaster prevention, ocean research, biotechnology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), security, and space technology. The EU is particularly keen on strengthening partnerships in semiconductor supply chains and chip design, as well as increasing collaboration between the European AI Office and India AI Mission.
€60 Million in Joint Research Projects
Even before a formal agreement on Horizon Europe is reached, the EU and India have already committed to joint research cooperation on pressing environmental challenges. The two sides have launched coordinated calls for research worth €60 million, covering:
- Recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries – As India is expected to have 200 million EV batteries in use by 2030, research in this area is crucial for sustainable energy solutions.
- Marine plastic litter – With 10 million tons of plastic waste generated annually, India and the EU aim to develop advanced technologies to tackle ocean pollution.
- Waste-to-hydrogen initiatives – Aimed at promoting green hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative.
The European Commission has confirmed that it will match India’s contributions to these projects through the Horizon Europe budget, further cementing the research partnership.
Expanding Opportunities for Indian Researchers
India already plays a significant role in EU-funded research. It is the top non-EU beneficiary of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), with over 3,000 Indian researchers having received grants under the prestigious programme. If India joins Horizon Europe, these numbers are expected to increase, providing Indian scientists and institutions with greater access to funding, training, and international collaboration.
Future Areas of Cooperation
Beyond Horizon Europe, the EU and India are also exploring cooperation in:
- Wastewater treatment technologies – Essential for addressing water scarcity and pollution.
- AI and large language models – Enhancing collaboration on responsible AI development.
- Semiconductor research – Strengthening supply chains and advancing chip design processes.
A Strategic Step in EU-India Relations
The discussions on Horizon Europe come at a time when global research partnerships are becoming increasingly vital. The EU’s interest in expanding ties with India aligns with its broader strategy of diversifying scientific collaborations. Given the current geopolitical landscape, both sides recognize the importance of fostering trust-based partnerships in research and innovation.
While the final decision on India’s participation in Horizon Europe remains pending, the commitment to joint research projects and strengthened collaboration in emerging technologies reflects the growing strategic importance of EU-India ties. With negotiations expected to advance in the coming months, this partnership could unlock new opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and scientific progress.