EU and India Commence Formal Negotiations for Horizon Europe Association
The European Union and India have officially launched exploratory talks aimed at establishing India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's premier research and innovation funding program. This significant development follows commitments made at the 16th EU-India Summit, where leaders pledged to enhance cooperation across trade, security, and science sectors.
A Strategic Shift in Global Scientific Diplomacy
Horizon Europe, with a substantial budget of €95.5 billion spanning from 2021 to 2027, represents the European Union's most ambitious initiative to foster cutting-edge research and technological advancements. By seeking association, India is pursuing the closest form of international scientific collaboration available to non-EU nations under this framework.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, the European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, emphasized the transformative potential of this move. "Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas," she stated. "Exploring India's association with Horizon Europe is about connecting talent, ambition, and trust, and building solutions together at a global scale."
From Co-Funding to Direct Grants: A Paradigm Change
Currently, Indian researchers participate in EU projects through a Co-Funding Mechanism (CFM), which requires them to secure independent funding from Indian ministries, such as the Ministry of Earth Sciences. If the new association agreement is finalized, this model will undergo a fundamental transformation.
Under the proposed association, Indian institutions would gain direct access to grants from the European Commission. Indian scientists would be empowered to lead and coordinate large-scale international research consortia, and India would participate in Horizon Europe on equal terms with EU Member States. In return, India would make a fair financial contribution to the program's overall budget.
Aligning with Broader EU-India Strategic Goals
This initiative is a key component of the Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030, which positions research and innovation at the core of the bilateral partnership. The launch of these exploratory talks is highlighted as a concrete deliverable within this strategic framework.
In recent years, EU-India cooperation has been further strengthened through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Commissioner Zaharieva's visit to India last year, including engagements within the TTC context, has played a crucial role in advancing shared priorities and reinforcing the links between the research and innovation ecosystems of both regions.
Global Context and Existing Associations
Association with the EU's Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is recognized as the most advanced level of international cooperation in science and technology between the European Union and non-EU countries. Presently, 22 non-EU nations are associated with Horizon Europe, including countries such as Canada, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Turkiye, and the United Kingdom, among others.
The ongoing talks between the EU and India mark a pivotal step in expanding this global network, potentially integrating one of the world's largest and most dynamic research communities into Europe's flagship scientific initiative.
