On Friday 6 February, the European Commission and India launched exploratory discussions with a view to India’s possible association with the Horizon Europe framework programme for research and innovation (R&I).
This initiative follows the 16th EU-India Summit, recently held in New Delhi, during which both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their strategic cooperation in the areas of trade, security, science, innovation and mobility (see EUROPE 13793/1, 13795/1).
This programme, with a budget of €93.5 million, would enable Indian researchers and institutions to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe and to lead projects, with India making a financial contribution to the programme. The association would support structured, long-term collaboration between European and Indian R&I players, facilitate joint projects under Horizon Europe and strengthen cooperation on shared scientific and technological priorities.
The EU and India have already been cooperating on R&I since the agreement signed in 2001 and extended until 2030 (see EUROPE 13706/25). There are currently 22 non-EU countries associated with Horizon Europe. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)