The European Commission and the Government of India have formally launched exploratory discussions on a possible partnership with Horizon Europe, marking a significant step forward in EU-India research and innovation cooperation.
The announcement follows the 16th EU-India Summit held in New Delhi, where leaders reaffirmed their shared ambition to strengthen cooperation across trade, security, science, innovation and mobility.
If these talks lead to the success of the Horizon Europe Association, India will gain unprecedented access to the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.
Indian universities, research centers and companies will be able to apply for Horizon Europe funding on the same footing as EU-based entities, including major multinational research projects, in exchange for funding from India.
Commenting on the negotiations, European Commissioner for Emerging, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva said: “Science works best when national borders don’t get in the way of ideas.
“Exploring the relationship between India and Horizon Europe will bring together talent, ambition and trust to build solutions together on a global scale.”
Research and innovation at the heart of EU-India relations
Scientific cooperation between the EU and India is built on strong institutional foundations. The cooperation is governed by the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, first signed in 2001 and recently renewed until 2030 at the New Delhi Summit.
This long-term framework highlights the growing importance of research and innovation within broader strategic partnerships.
The EU-India Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030 puts research and innovation at its core.
Within this roadmap, the launch of an exploratory consultation on the Horizon Europe association is identified as a concrete and high-impact deliverable, reflecting a mutual interest in the closer integration of the research ecosystem.
Momentum in trade and technical cooperation
Recent years have seen renewed momentum through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), contributing to alignment of priorities in emerging technologies and innovation-driven growth.
High-level exchanges, including Director-General Ekaterina Zaharieva’s visit to India last year, further strengthened ties between the European and Indian research communities and laid the foundations for deeper cooperation.
The partnership with Horizon Europe represents the most advanced form of international scientific cooperation offered by the EU to non-member states, allowing full participation in the €93.5 billion research program.
Expanding global network of related countries
Currently, 22 countries outside the EU are members of Horizon Europe, including Canada, Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
Furthermore, negotiations with Japan were successfully completed in December 2025, and negotiations with Australia are also continuing. Talks with Morocco remain suspended.
For India, the future Horizon Europe Association will represent a major leap forward in global research collaboration and strengthen its role as Europe’s leading science and innovation partner.
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