India and EU Initiate Exploratory Talks for Horizon Europe Association

Exploratory Discussions Launched

The European Commission and India officially commenced exploratory discussions on February 6, 2026, concerning India's potential association with Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship program for research and innovation. These talks follow commitments made during the 16th EU-India Summit held in New Delhi. The initiative underscores a shared ambition to enhance collaboration in research, innovation, and mobility, positioning science as a central pillar of the EU-India strategic partnership.

Understanding Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU's primary funding program for research and innovation, operating from 2021 to 2027 with an indicative budget of €93.5 billion. Its core objectives include:

• Tackling climate change
• Contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Boosting the EU's competitiveness and growth
• Facilitating collaboration and strengthening the impact of research and innovation in developing and implementing EU policies

The program is designed to foster collaboration and support the creation and dissemination of excellent knowledge and technologies across various fields.

Implications of Association for India

Should India become associated with Horizon Europe, it would represent the closest form of international cooperation the EU offers to non-EU countries in the realm of research and innovation. This association would enable Indian researchers, universities, and institutions to:

• Apply directly for Horizon Europe funding
• Coordinate and lead international research projects on an equal footing with EU-based participants

In return, India would be expected to make a financial contribution to the program, aligned with agreed terms and conditions. Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, emphasized the collaborative spirit, stating, 'Science works best when borders do not get in the way of ideas. Exploring India's association to Horizon Europe is about connecting talent, ambition and trust, and building solutions together at global scale.'

Broader Context of EU-India Research Cooperation

The current discussions build upon a long-standing foundation of research and innovation cooperation between the EU and India. An Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, initially signed in 2001, was recently renewed until 2030 at the New Delhi summit. Furthermore, research and innovation are central to the Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030. While India's participation in previous EU research framework programs has been noted as 'fairly weak,' these exploratory talks signify a renewed push for deeper engagement. Currently, 22 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe, demonstrating the program's global reach.