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EU, India Launch Talks for Historic Horizon Europe Research Partnership

The European Union and India have launched exploratory talks for India's potential association with the €95.5 billion Horizon Europe research and innovation program. This would represent the deepest form of scientific cooperation the EU offers to non-member nations, moving beyond the current system where Indian researchers must secure domestic funding. The initiative follows commitments made at the 16th EU-India Summit and is a key deliverable of the joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030. If finalized, the agreement would allow Indian institutions to receive direct EU grants and let Indian scientists lead major international research projects.

Key Points: EU-India Horizon Europe Association Talks Begin

  • Talks for closest EU research cooperation
  • Move beyond current Co-Funding Mechanism
  • Indian scientists could lead EU consortia
  • Part of broader 2030 Strategic Agenda
2 min read

EU, India hold talks on association with Horizon Europe to deepen research and innovation ties

EU and India start exploratory talks for India's association with the €95.5B Horizon Europe research program, aiming for deepest scientific cooperation.

"Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas. - Ekaterina Zaharieva"

Brussels, February 7

Horizon Europe, the European Union's key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of Euro 95.5 billion running from 2021-2027, and India have launched talks for a possible collaboration.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said: "Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas. Exploring India's association with Horizon Europe is about connecting talent, ambition and trust, and building solutions together at a global scale."

This follows the 16th EU-India Summit, at which leaders committed to boosting cooperation in trade, security, and science, marking a major shift in global scientific diplomacy. By seeking association with Horizon Europe--the EU's EUR95.5 billion flagship research and innovation program--India is moving toward the "closest form of international cooperation" the EU offers to non-EU nations.

Currently, India operates under a Co-Funding Mechanism (CFM). In this setup, Indian researchers can join EU projects but must secure their own funding from Indian ministries (like the Ministry of Earth Sciences).

If the new "Association" agreement is finalised, the landscape changes fundamentally. Indian institutions would receive grants directly from the European Commission, Indian scientists could lead and coordinate massive international research consortia and India would participate in the program on the same terms as EU Member States, in exchange for a fair financial contribution to the program's budget.

The Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030 places research and innovation at the centre of the strategic partnership and includes the launch of exploratory talks on Horizon Europe association as a concrete deliverable.

In recent years, this cooperation has also been strengthened through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva's visit to India last year, including exchanges in the TTC context, helped advance shared priorities and reinforce links between research and innovation ecosystems on both sides.

Association to the EU's Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is the closest form of international cooperation in science and technology between the European Union and a non-EU country.

At present, 22 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent is good, I hope this doesn't become another avenue for brain drain. The agreement must ensure that the research benefits India directly and leads to tangible solutions for our local challenges, not just publications for foreign institutions.
R
Rohit P
Seeing countries like Israel, UK, and Canada already associated gives me confidence. Our IITs and research labs have immense talent. Direct grants from the EU will remove so much bureaucratic hassle. Fingers crossed for a swift agreement!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in renewable energy research, this is the kind of global partnership we need. Climate change and tech innovation require collective effort. Hope this paves the way for more student and faculty exchange programs as well.
V
Vikram M
"Fair financial contribution" – I hope our negotiators are sharp on this point. We must get value for money and ensure the contribution is proportional and benefits our priorities like agriculture tech, affordable medicine, and sustainable cities.
K
Karthik V
Good step forward. But let's not forget to strengthen our own funding bodies like DST and CSIR simultaneously. International collaboration is key, but a strong domestic research ecosystem is the foundation. Jai Vigyan!

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