The EU-India Science and Technology Agreement was first signed in 2001 and has since been renewed multiple times. Promoting research and innovation collaboration between the European Union and India is important
The recent evaluation of the agreement, covering the period from 2020 to 2025, shows this important partnership’s achievements and future opportunities.
The success of the EU-India Science and Technology Agreement
The evaluation highlighted the agreement’s success in promoting joint research in a range of vital fields, including energy, health, water, information and communication technology (ICT), and innovation.
This cooperation has led to many impactful initiatives, for example, the development of smart grids, vaccine research, wastewater treatment innovations, and advances in artificial intelligence.
These developments benefit both parties and contribute to global challenges like climate change, public health, and sustainable development.
The benefits of this collaboration
A key aspect of the collaboration is mobility and talent development, which remain important to the partnership.
Indian researchers have significantly benefited from the EU’s research funding programs. Over 600 grants have been awarded to Indian researchers through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program, making India the top-ranking non-EU country in this initiative.
Indian researchers are also among the top five non-EU beneficiaries of European Research Council grants, showing the strength and depth of academic and research exchanges between the EU and India.
The extent of this collaboration is further reflected in India’s participation in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects. These are two of the EU’s largest research and innovation programs, and India’s involvement in 88 projects showcases the significant contributions it has made to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation. The projects cover various disciplines, from environmental sustainability to healthcare, and highlight the mutual benefits of cross-border research efforts.
Further collaboration between India and the EU
The EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in early 2023, has further strengthened ties between the two partners.
The TTC focuses on key areas such as green technologies, digital governance, and trade. It provides a platform for better collaboration in cutting-edge sectors like clean energy and digital transformation.
One of its working groups, focusing on green and clean energy technologies, has made substantial progress, co-chaired by high-level EU and India representatives. This group has helped to align the science and technology agenda with wider geopolitical and economic goals, showing the importance of sustainable development and innovation in both regions.
Continuing the success of the EU-India Science and Technology Agreement
Looking ahead, the evaluation report outlines several recommendations to ensure that the collaboration continues to thrive in the coming years.
These include clearer budget allocations, better alignment with the TTC, and strengthening strategic partnerships. The renewal of the S&T Agreement for another five years, will allow both sides to build on the successes of the past and further enhance their cooperation in science and technology.
The upcoming TTC Ministerial Meeting in Delhi in February 2025 will be a key moment for both the EU and India to reflect on the progress made under the agreement and set new goals for the future.
Discussions will focus on important areas like joint research on marine plastic litter, waste-to-renewable hydrogen, battery recycling for electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure interoperability, and wastewater treatment.
These areas align with the global drive toward sustainability and climate action, reflecting the EU’s and India’s shared commitment to tackle pressing global challenges together.
