India could join the European Union’s flagship research programme as early as next year after the two sides concluded talks on an agreement that would allow Indian universities to receive funding and lead research projects.
The European Commission said negotiations between the two sides had concluded, paving the way for India to be associated with Horizon Europe in January 2027, subject to the signing of an agreement and the completion of approval processes.
“This marks an important step forward for EU-India relations, strengthening scientific cooperation, creating new opportunities in research, and deepening the EU-India strategic partnership,” the commission said in a statement.
“For researchers, businesses and research organisations across Europe, India’s association will open up more opportunities to collaborate with Indian partners and build lasting scientific and technological links.”
The current Horizon Europe programme ends in December 2027 and has a budget of €93.5 billion (£78 billion). Association is the closest form of cooperation the bloc offers to non-EU members.
Once the agreement is signed and other processes completed, researchers and organisations in India will be able to receive direct funding from Horizon Europe and lead projects under the programme’s Pillar II, which covers areas such as health, artificial intelligence, space, climate change, energy and bioeconomy.
While Pillar II is the largest component of Horizon Europe, the agreement does not give India full access to the whole programme.
“The agreement opens new opportunities for our businesses. Horizon Europe will help our researchers and innovators work together on what comes next. We want Europe and India to be partners in developing the technologies that will shape our future,” said Ekaterina Zaharieva, European commissioner for start-ups, research and innovation.
The announcement comes after exploratory talks in February and negotiations in July. The commission said scientific cooperation with India dates back to 2001, when the Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation was signed. Since then, the EU and India have cooperated in various areas, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure through their Trade and Technology Council.
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