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India-EU Join Forces for ₹169 Crore EV Battery Recycling Initiative

India and the European Union have launched a third coordinated call for proposals on recycling electric vehicle batteries, backed by a funding pool of approximately ₹169 crore. The initiative, under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, focuses on advanced recycling technologies for high-efficiency recovery of key raw materials like lithium, graphite, and cobalt. A joint India-EU pilot line will be established in India to enable real-world testing and industrial deployment of these technologies. Officials from both sides, including Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood and EU Ambassador Herve Delphin, emphasized the initiative's role in strengthening strategic partnership and advancing shared climate goals.

Key Points: India-EU Launch ₹169 Crore EV Battery Recycling Drive

  • Joint funding of ₹169 crore for EV battery recycling
  • Deadline set for September 15, 2026
  • Focus on high-efficiency recovery of lithium, graphite, cobalt
  • Plan to establish a joint India-EU pilot line in India
2 min read

India-EU launch Rs 169 crore EV battery recycling drive, proposals open till Sept 15

India and the EU launch a ₹169 crore joint call for EV battery recycling proposals under the TTC, targeting sustainable lithium, cobalt, and graphite recovery.

"The launch is a significant step in strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership. - Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood"

New Delhi, May 6

India and the European Union have deepened their clean energy partnership with the launch of a third coordinated call for proposals on recycling electric vehicle batteries, under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.

The initiative, part of Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, sets a submission deadline of September 15, 2026.

The joint programme comes with a funding pool of about Rs 169 crore and aims to address one of the most critical challenges in the EV ecosystem -- sustainable battery recycling and recovery of key raw materials.

The funding will be supported by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, while India's Ministry of Heavy Industries will back domestic participation.

The call for proposals is designed to boost innovation in advanced recycling technologies, with a focus on high-efficiency recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, graphite and cobalt.

It will also prioritise the development of safe, digitalised collection systems and support pilot-scale demonstrations of new processes.

A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of a joint India-EU pilot line in India, which will enable real-world testing and faster industrial deployment of these technologies.

The programme will specifically target areas such as achieving high recovery rates, handling mixed battery chemistries, improving logistics with an inclusive approach, and ensuring safety standards while promoting second-life applications of batteries.

These efforts are expected to contribute to a circular economy while reducing dependence on imported critical minerals.

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, described the launch as a significant step in strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership.

He noted that as India's EV market expands rapidly, building a strong domestic recycling ecosystem is crucial for both resource security and environmental sustainability.

Echoing similar sentiments, European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin highlighted the central role of batteries in the global green transition.

He said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application, while also strengthening mineral security and advancing shared climate goals.

Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, said the collaboration would accelerate India's transition towards a circular economy.

Marc Lemaitre, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, emphasised that the initiative reflects a growing partnership between India and the EU in green innovation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Nisha Z
This is great news! Recycling batteries means less mining and less pollution. But I hope small Indian companies also get a chance to participate, not just big corporates. The deadline is 2026, so there's time, but we need to ensure the benefits reach local communities too.
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Michael C
As someone who works in the renewable energy sector, I think this is a smart move. The EU has advanced recycling tech, and India has scale. Combining them could create a blueprint for the Global South. Just hope the funding is used efficiently and reaches actual R&D, not just fancy seminars.
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Ananya R
Circular economy is the way forward! But I wonder how much of this tech will be shared with Indian firms. The EU often keeps core IP. Still, any step towards self-reliance in critical minerals is welcome. Also, kudos to Prof. Sood for pushing this. Let's hope the pilot line becomes a model for other countries.
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James A
Interesting collaboration. The focus on handling mixed chemistries and second-life applications is crucial. With India's ambitious EV targets, we need this ecosystem urgently. However, 169 crore might seem small compared to the scale of the problem. Perhaps future phases should aim for more funding. Still, a good start!
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Priya S
As an environmental scientist, I appreciate this. But we must ensure the recycling process itself is green and doesn't create new pollution. Also, the inclusive approach mentioned needs to include informal waste workers who already handle e-waste. They need training and fair compensation, not displacement.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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