The European Commission (EU) and India have successfully concluded negotiations on India’s association to Horizon Europe, the EU’s €93.5 billion research and innovation programme. The agreement will allow Indian researchers and organisations to participate on equal terms with their European counterparts and receive direct EU funding.
Once signed, Indian entities will be able to lead collaborative projects under Pillar II of Horizon Europe (“Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”). This pillar covers health, climate and energy, digital technologies, industry, space and the bioeconomy. Association is the closest form of cooperation the EU offers non-EU countries. In return, associated countries contribute financially to the programme.
For European researchers, universities and businesses, the deal creates new opportunities to collaborate with Indian partners, pool expertise and jointly address shared challenges. Association is envisaged for January 2027, subject to the completion of internal procedures on both sides.
Negotiations followed exploratory discussions launched on 6 February 2026 and formal talks that began on 17 July 2026. The outcome builds on the EU–India Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, first signed in 2001 and renewed until 2030. Research and innovation also form a core part of the Joint EU–India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda towards 2030, adopted at the January 2026 summit.
Cooperation has been further advanced through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council, which has facilitated joint work on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital public infrastructure and high-performance computing. Earlier this year, the EU opened its first European Legal Gateway Office in India to support skilled mobility in the ICT sector.
India will join 23 non-EU countries already associated with Horizon Europe, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. Negotiations with Australia have also concluded, with signature expected shortly. The European Commission described the agreement as an important step forward for EU–India relations, strengthening scientific cooperation and deepening the strategic partnership.