EU and India Conclude Horizon Europe Research Agreement

The European Commission and the Government of India concluded negotiations on November 6, 2026, to associate India with Horizon Europe, the European Union's 93.5 billion euro research and innovation funding programme. Expected to take effect in January 2027 following ratification, the agreement allows Indian researchers, businesses, and organizations to receive direct funding and lead collaborative projects under Pillar II.

This pillar focuses on global challenges and industrial competitiveness in sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, 6G telecommunications, healthcare, space, and climate change. In exchange for participating on equal terms with EU member states, India will make financial contributions to the programme's budget. India joins 23 other non-EU associated countries, such as Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, in what is the closest form of cooperation the EU offers to non-member nations.

The partnership builds upon a 2001 scientific cooperation agreement and the Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda towards 2030. This development precedes an expected visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels in mid-December to formally sign a landmark free trade agreement between the two blocs. EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva stated that the agreement opens new opportunities for businesses and will help researchers work together on future technologies.