New Delhi, November 7: India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Saturday.
The ministry described the association as a strategic step towards a long-term institutional framework for research cooperation between the two sides.
What it means for Indian researchers
Once the association takes effect, Indian researchers, institutions and industry will be able to apply for funding through calls for proposals, take part in collaborative projects and access EU research networks and advanced research infrastructure. The ministry said the arrangement is also expected to increase researcher mobility and support joint development of key technologies, standards and solutions.
It will build on existing research and development projects and cooperation under the India-EU Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.
Priority areas
The ministry said the thematic clusters under Pillar II of Horizon Europe align with India’s research priorities and could strengthen the country’s scientific capabilities. These cover health, digital technologies, industry and space, climate, energy and mobility, and food and the bio-economy. It linked the association to the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.
How the talks unfolded
Exploration of India’s association began after the India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026. Formal negotiations started after a ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council in Brussels on 15 July 2026.
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