India and the European Union (EU) successfully concluded negotiations on India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme worth €93.5 billion. The agreement will allow Indian researchers, businesses and research organisations to access direct funding from Horizon Europe and lead international collaborative research projects under its second pillar, which focuses on global challenges and European industrial competitiveness. Following its signing and ratification by both sides, the agreement is expected to come into effect in January 2027.
Collaboration Across Key Research and Technology Sectors
Horizon Europe supports research and innovation across several strategic sectors, including healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, space, climate, energy and industrial development. The European Commission described the agreement as an important milestone in India-EU relations. It is expected to expand scientific cooperation, create new research opportunities and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two sides.
Indian Researchers to Gain Direct Access to EU Funding
The association will provide Indian institutions with opportunities to receive research grants directly from the European Commission. Furthermore, Indian scientists and research organisations will be able to lead and coordinate major international research projects in the programme’s covered areas. These opportunities will be available on terms similar to those offered to organisations in EU member states. Currently, Horizon Europe includes 23 associated non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland. India’s association will further expand the programme’s international research network.
Agreement to Strengthen India-EU Innovation Partnership
EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva said the agreement would create new opportunities for businesses, researchers and innovators in India and Europe to collaborate on developing future technologies. The partnership is expected to accelerate joint research, encourage technology development and promote innovation across emerging sectors. As reported by newsonair.gov.in, India’s association with Horizon Europe marks a significant step towards strengthening India-EU scientific and technological cooperation while creating new opportunities for researchers, industries and innovation-driven organisations on both sides.
