• India and the EU conclude negotiations for association with Horizon Europe.
• Indian researchers and institutions will be able to participate in funding calls.
• Cooperation will cover research, talent mobility and critical technologies.
• Priority areas include health, digital technology, climate, energy and space.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Nov: India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. The agreement is expected to strengthen long-term research cooperation and expand opportunities for Indian researchers, institutions and industry to participate in international research projects.

The association will enable Indian participants to access funding calls under Horizon Europe through collaborative research projects. It will also provide opportunities to join European research consortia and access advanced research infrastructure.

The programme is expected to support greater mobility of research talent and encourage the joint development of critical technologies, standards and solutions. The move builds on existing research and development projects and cooperation under the India-EU Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.

The thematic clusters under Pillar II of Horizon Europe cover areas including health, digital technologies, industry and space, climate, energy and mobility, food and the bioeconomy. These areas align with India’s research priorities and scientific strengths.

The association is expected to add new opportunities to India’s innovation ecosystem as the country works towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The process to explore India’s possible association with the programme began after the India-EU Summit held on January 27, 2026. Formal negotiations were initiated following the ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council in Brussels on July 15, 2026.