Association to Horizon Europe is the closest form of cooperation with non-European countries, which allows entities of associated countries to participate in programme actions on equal terms with entities of EU countries. If India becomes associated, Indian researchers and institutions would be able to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe and lead projects, with India making a financial contribution to the programme.
The launch of these talks follows the 16th EU–India Summit in New Delhi, where leaders from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation across trade, security, science, innovation and mobility.
Exploratory discussions are non-binding and technical in nature. These discussions assess the scope, principles and conditions of a potential association agreement and prepare the ground for possible formal negotiations.
“Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas. Exploring India’s association to Horizon Europe is about connecting talent, ambition and trust, and building solutions together at global scale,” Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said.
EU-India cooperation on research and innovation is governed by the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed in 2001 and recently renewed until 2030 at the New Delhi summit.
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 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.
