New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) have successfully concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.
The development marks a significant step towards establishing a long-term institutional framework for research and innovation cooperation between India and the EU, building on their existing research and development (R&D) projects and collaboration under the India-EU Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.
The association with Horizon Europe will enable Indian researchers, academic institutions and industry participants to access funding opportunities under the programme through collaborative research projects.
It will also provide Indian participants with access to European research consortia and advanced research infrastructure, creating opportunities for greater international research collaboration.
The partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation in research and innovation while facilitating talent mobility between India and European countries. It will also support the co-development of critical technologies, standards and solutions at scale.
Horizon Europe covers several research and innovation areas under Pillar II, including health, digital technologies, industry and space, climate, energy and mobility, food and the bioeconomy.
These thematic clusters closely align with India’s research priorities and offer opportunities to build on the country’s existing scientific strengths.
Through its association with Horizon Europe, India will be able to strengthen its innovation ecosystem by expanding access to international research collaborations, funding opportunities and advanced technological infrastructure. The development also adds significant value to India’s efforts towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India-EU Horizon Europe Association: Timeline of Negotiations
The exploration of India’s possible association with Horizon Europe was initiated following the historic India-EU Summit held on January 27, 2026.
Subsequently, formal negotiations for India’s association with the programme were initiated as an outcome of the ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council held in Brussels on July 15, 2026.
With negotiations now successfully concluded, India’s association with Horizon Europe marks an important milestone in strengthening research, scientific and technological cooperation between India and the European Union.
