India finalises association with Horizon Europe for research and innovation collaboration

India concluded its negotiations with the European Union to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.

According to the statement released by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the agreement is aimed at establishing a long-term institutional framework of research cooperation between both sides to build on existing R&D projects and cooperation under the India-EU Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.

Under the terms of the deal, Indian researchers, institutions and industry will be facilitated to engage in calls for funding under the programme through collaborative research projects and have access to European consortia and cutting-edge research infrastructure, said the release.


The Ministry said the development would deepen talent mobility and lead to co-development of critical technologies, standards and solutions at scale.

The thematic clusters of Pillar II of Horizon Europe also include sectors which align closely with India’s research priorities, allowing the country to build on its scientific strengths, according to the statement.

Exploratory talks on the association were launched following the India-EU Summit on Jan 21, 2026. Formal negotiations were later initiated as an outcome of the Trade and Technology Council ministerial meeting held in Brussels on July15.