The European Union continues to strengthen its position as a global centre for scientific research, innovation and higher education. One of the most attractive initiatives in this field is Horizon Europe, which provides
researchers, universities, businesses and young scientists with opportunities to participate in international projects, develop new technologies and gain access to significant research funding. The programme is also increasingly attracting countries outside the EU, with India now taking an important step towards joining this European research framework.
The European Commission and India have successfully concluded negotiations on India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme, which has a total budget of €93.5 billion for the 2021–2027 period. The agreement represents a significant development in EU–India relations, strengthening scientific cooperation and creating new opportunities for researchers and research organisations on both sides.
Once the agreement has been signed and the necessary procedures completed, Indian researchers and organisations will be eligible to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe and lead collaborative projects under its second pillar, 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness'. This is the programme's largest component, supporting multinational research and innovation initiatives addressing major societal, economic and technological challenges.
The areas covered include healthcare, digital technologies, industry, space exploration, climate change, energy and the bioeconomy. Cooperation between European and Indian institutions is expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise, accelerate technological development and support solutions to challenges shared by both regions.
For young researchers and university graduates, the expansion of Horizon Europe's international network could provide additional opportunities to participate in scientific projects, establish professional contacts and develop careers in research and innovation. European institutions will also benefit from access to India's considerable scientific and technological expertise, creating new possibilities for joint research and academic partnerships.
Association to Horizon Europe represents the closest form of cooperation available to non-EU countries under the programme. It allows organisations from participating countries to take part in the relevant funding opportunities on equal terms with their EU counterparts. In return, associated countries make financial contributions to the programme.
The conclusion of negotiations with India is an important milestone, although the agreement still requires formal signature and the completion of procedures on both sides. The European Commission envisages that India's association will take effect in January 2027.
The development builds on a long history of EU–India scientific cooperation. The two sides signed an Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation in 2001, which has subsequently been renewed until 2030. Research and innovation also constitute an important element of the Joint EU–India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda towards 2030, adopted at the EU–India Summit on 27 January 2026.
Cooperation has also expanded through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council, which promotes joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, semiconductors, high-performance computing, digital skills and next-generation telecommunications. In February 2026, the two sides also launched the first European Legal Gateway Office in India, designed to facilitate safe and informed mobility to Europe for professionals in the information and communications technology sector.
India is not the only country outside the EU seeking closer participation in the European research programme. Horizon Europe currently has 23 associated non-EU countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Ukraine, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Canada and New Zealand, alongside several countries from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and the Mediterranean region.
Furthermore, negotiations on Australia's association with Horizon Europe have also been successfully concluded, with the agreement expected to be signed shortly. These developments demonstrate the growing international appeal of the programme and the EU's ambition to strengthen scientific partnerships beyond its borders.
Horizon Europe remains one of the most important instruments through which the European Union supports research, education and technological development. By expanding participation to countries such as India and Australia, Brussels is seeking to build a wider international research community, attract scientific talent and strengthen Europe's competitiveness in the global innovation landscape. For young scientists and research institutions, this expansion could translate into new opportunities for collaboration, funding and professional development. Photo by Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia commons.
