India is set to join Horizon Europe, the European Union's €93.5 billion flagship research programme, after New Delhi and the European Commission concluded negotiations on the deal on Friday, 6 November. The association is expected to take effect in January 2027, once the agreement is signed and both sides complete their internal approval procedures.

What Indian researchers get

Association is the closest form of research cooperation the EU offers to countries outside the bloc. Once it takes effect, Indian researchers, businesses and research organisations will be able to receive funding directly from Horizon Europe and lead collaborative projects under its Pillar II, covering global challenges and European industrial competitiveness.

The road to January 2027

The deal was reached quickly. Exploratory talks began on 6 February 2026, formal negotiations opened on 17 July, and the two sides concluded them on 6 November. The European Commission said the agreement marks an important step forward for EU-India relations, strengthening scientific cooperation and deepening the strategic partnership. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva said it would create opportunities for researchers and businesses on both sides to develop technologies and tackle shared challenges.

A growing club

Horizon Europe runs from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of €93.5 billion. India will join 23 non-EU countries already associated with the programme, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland. EU-India scientific cooperation dates back to a 2001 agreement on science and technology, which has been extended until 2030.