India, Nov. 6 -- The European Commission (EU) and India have successfully concluded negotiations on India's association to Horizon Europe, the EU's €93.5 billion research and innovation programme. The agreement will allow Indian researchers and organisations to participate on equal terms with their European counterparts and receive direct EU funding.

Once signed, Indian entities will be able to lead collaborative projects under Pillar II of Horizon Europe ("Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness"). This pillar covers health, climate and energy, digital technologies, industry, space and the bioeconomy. Association is the closest form of cooperation the EU offers non-EU countries. In return, associated countries co...