India, EU conclude multi-billion Euro global innovation programme

New Delhi India and the European Union have concluded negotiations on New Delhi’s association with a Euro 93.5 billion flagship research and innovation programme, paving the way for expanded collaboration under their broader strategic partnership. The decision comes weeks before India and the 27-nation bloc are set to seal a landmark free trade agreement — billed as the “mother of all deals” — to create a market of two billion people.

The European Commission and India have successfully concluded negotiations on New Delhi’s association with the Horizon Europe programme, the EU said. This marks an important step forward for EU-India relations, strengthening scientific cooperation, creating new opportunities in research, and deepening the strategic partnership, it said.

India’s association with the Horizon programme is seen as part of the comprehensive strategic agenda of the two sides for the next five years.