India and the European Union have concluded negotiations on India's association with Horizon Europe.
This is the bloc's flagship research and innovation programme.
The European Commission described the step on Friday, November 6, as an important move.
It said the deal will deepen scientific cooperation between the two sides.
The New Indian Express reported this, and The Economic Times also covered the development.
Key points
- India and the EU have finished negotiations on India joining Horizon Europe.
- Indian researchers can get funding once the agreement is signed and procedures are complete.
- India's association with the programme is set to begin in January 2027.
- PM Modi is expected to visit Brussels in mid-December.
What is Horizon Europe, and why does it matter?
Horizon Europe is a research and innovation programme worth 93.5 billion euros. It is run by the European Union.
Its largest part is called Pillar II.
It supports joint projects on healthcare, digital technology, industry, space, climate, energy and the bioeconomy.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, welcomed the development.
She said the agreement opens new opportunities for businesses and researchers.
What happens next, and when?
The next step is the signing of an association agreement. This depends on both sides completing their necessary procedures.
Once that is done, Indian researchers and organisations will be able to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe.
They can also lead collaborative research projects.
India's association is set to begin in January 2027.
Modi is also expected to visit Brussels in mid-December for the formal signing of the India-EU free trade agreement.
How did the talks reach this point?
India and the EU started exploratory talks on association in February. Formal negotiations followed in July.
- FebruaryIndia and the EU start exploratory talks on association with Horizon Europe.
- JulyFormal negotiations on India's association with Horizon Europe follow.
- November 6Both sides conclude negotiations on India's association with Horizon Europe.
- January 2027India's association with Horizon Europe is set to begin.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The move builds on a science and technology agreement signed in 2001. That agreement has been renewed until 2030.
Research is also part of the joint strategic agenda to 2030, adopted at the India-EU Summit in January.
The two sides also launched a legal gateway office in India in February to help IT professionals move safely to EU member states.
