The first relationship between the European Union (EU) and India dates from the 1960s and has today developed to cover a wide spectra of areas, including scientific cooperation. Cooperation in Science and Technology (S&T) started in mid-1980s and many joint research projects have been implemented since then. The signature of the first S&T Agreement between EU and India in 2002 marked an important milestone and the renewal of the Agreement in 2007 gave the political endorsement to intensify the Strategic Partnership. The agreement, based on principles of symmetry and co-investment of funds for joint projects by the European Commission and the Government of India, provides new opportunities for researchers and organisations to collaborate across the countries and regions.
In accordance with the S&T agreement, India and the EU’s respective funding programmes for Research and Technological Development (RTD) are open for organisations based in the counterpart. With regards to the Seventh Framework programme (FP7), the European Commission’s funding mechanism for RTD, India is considered as an International Cooperation Partnership Country (ICPC) and can therefore participate and receive funding from FP7 when collaborating with European organisations.
India and the EU are strategic S&T cooperation partners and FP7 even presents targeted calls for India in addition to the regular calls. Furthermore, several joint calls are published in cooperation between the EC and the Government of India. The common interest in research priorities is also demonstrated in the perfect match of the thematic priorities in FP7 and in India’s XI Five Year Plan.
For more information on EU-India Strategic FP7 projects, please contact me using the form below.
