The EU and India have officially launched discussions on India’s possible association with Horizon Europe
The discussion launches the cooperation between the two partners and follows commitments made at the 16th EU–India Summit held in New Delhi.
The discussion shows how the EU and India share ambitions to deepen collaboration across research, innovation, and mobility, reinforcing science as a central pillar of the EU–India strategic partnership.
While the discussions are exploratory and non-binding, they lay the groundwork for future formal negotiations.
What Horizon Europe association would mean for India
Association with the programme is the closest form of international cooperation the EU offers to non-EU countries in this field.
If India were to become associated, Indian researchers, universities, and institutions would be able to apply directly for Horizon Europe funding. They would also be eligible to coordinate and lead international research projects on an equal footing with EU-based participants. In return, India would make a financial contribution to the programme, aligned with agreed terms and conditions.
This association could significantly expand opportunities for Indian researchers, enhance cross-border collaboration, and support the development of solutions to global challenges at scale.
Research partnership
EU and India cooperation in research and innovation is built on a strong foundation. The two sides have been working together under the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation since 2001. This agreement was recently renewed until 2030 during the New Delhi summit, underlining the long-term commitment to collaboration.
Research and innovation also play a central role in the Joint EU–India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030. Within this framework, the launch of exploratory talks on Horizon Europe association has been identified as a concrete and strategic deliverable.
In recent years, cooperation has been further strengthened through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC has helped align priorities across digital technologies, green innovation, and emerging technologies, while strengthening links between research and innovation ecosystems on both sides.
High-level exchanges, including visits by senior EU officials, have contributed to building trust and advancing shared objectives, creating favourable conditions for discussions on deeper integration into Horizon Europe.
Horizon Europe’s global reach
Horizon Europe already includes a wide network of associated countries beyond the EU. Currently, 22 non-EU countries are associated with the programme, spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Association negotiations with Japan were successfully concluded in December 2025, while talks with Australia are ongoing. Negotiations with Morocco, however, are currently paused. These developments highlight the EU’s broader strategy of expanding global scientific cooperation through Horizon Europe.
The current exploratory discussions with India are technical in nature and do not create legal obligations for either side. Their purpose is to assess the scope, principles, and conditions of a potential association and to determine whether both partners wish to proceed to formal negotiations.
