India's association with the programme marks a strategic step towards establishing a long-term institutional framework for research cooperation between the two sides.
It builds on existing research and development (R&D) projects and cooperation under the India-EU Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.
Negotiations for India’s association to Horizon Europe have concluded! This will open new opportunities for researchers and innovators in the EU and India to work together more closely, develop new technologies and help address shared challenges. ➡️ https://t.co/kdD4LiHiJx https://t.co/q2DMz1K2Oj
— Horizon Europe 🇪🇺 (@HorizonEU) November 6, 2026
The association will enable Indian researchers, institutions and industry to participate in funding calls under the programme through collaborative research projects. It will also provide access to European research consortia and cutting-edge research infrastructure, while strengthening talent mobility and facilitating the co-development of critical technologies, standards and solutions on a larger scale, according to an official government statement.
The thematic clusters under Pillar II of Horizon Europe cover key areas such as health, digital technologies, industry and space, climate, energy and mobility, food and the bioeconomy.
These areas closely align with India's research priorities and offer opportunities to leverage the country's scientific strengths.
India and the EU have successfully completed negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. This marks a significant milestone in the India-EU strategic partnership, towards building a long-term framework of research cooperation, along the vision laid out by the leaders during the historic India-EU Summit in January 2026. 🔗 https://t.co/RWW4YAK0DD @IndiaDST @IndEmbassyBru @EU_in_India
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 7, 2026
The association is expected to provide significant impetus to India's innovation ecosystem as the country advances towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Explorations for India's possible association with the programme began following the historic India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026. Formal negotiations were subsequently initiated following the ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council in Brussels on July 15, 2026.