India and European Union Finalize Negotiations for Horizon Europe Research Program Association

Key facts

• India and the European Union concluded negotiations for India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's €93.5-billion research and innovation program.
• The association with Horizon Europe is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
• Indian researchers and organizations will be able to receive funding and lead collaborative projects under Horizon Europe's Pillar II on 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' once the agreement is signed.
• Association with Horizon Europe is the closest form of cooperation offered by the EU to countries outside the program grouping.
• Horizon Europe is a program that runs from 2021 to 2027 and has a budget of €93.5 billion.
• Currently, 23 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe, including Canada, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
• India and the EU launched exploratory discussions on Horizon Europe in February, followed by formal negotiations in July.
• Research and innovation are an integral part of the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda to 2030.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Brussels in mid-December for the formal signing of the India-EU free trade agreement.