The European Commission and the Government of India have officially launched exploratory discussions on a possible association 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 collaboration across trade, security, science, innovation and mobility.
If these talks lead to a successful Horizon Europe association, India would gain unprecedented access to the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.
Indian universities, research centres and companies would be able to apply for Horizon Europe funding on the same footing as EU-based entities, including leading multinational research projects, in return for a financial contribution from India.
Commenting on the negotiations, 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.”
Research and innovation at the heart of EU–India relations
EU–India scientific collaboration is built on a strong institutional foundation. Cooperation is governed by the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, first signed in 2001 and recently renewed until 2030 at the New Delhi summit.
This long-term framework underlines the growing importance of research and innovation within the broader strategic partnership.
The Joint EU–India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030 places research and innovation at its core.
Within this roadmap, launching exploratory talks on Horizon Europe association is identified as a concrete and high-impact deliverable, reflecting mutual interest in closer integration of research ecosystems.
Momentum from trade and technology cooperation
Recent years have seen renewed momentum through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which has helped align priorities in emerging technologies and innovation-driven growth.
High-level exchanges, including Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva’s visit to India last year, have further reinforced ties between European and Indian research communities and laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration.
Association with Horizon Europe represents the most advanced form of international scientific cooperation offered by the EU to non-member countries, enabling full participation in its €93.5bn research programme.
A growing global network of associated countries
Currently, 22 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe, including Canada, Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
Beyond these, negotiations with Japan were successfully concluded in December 2025, while talks with Australia are ongoing. Discussions with Morocco remain paused.
For India, a future Horizon Europe association would signal a major leap in global research collaboration, strengthening its role as a key scientific and innovation partner for Europe.
