India and the European Union (EU) have jointly announced two significant research and innovation initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). These programs are aimed at curbing marine pollution and promoting green hydrogen technologies together financing an investment of approximately ₹391 crore (€41 million).
Tackling Marine Pollution
The first initiative targets marine plastic litter, aiming to monitor, assess, and mitigate the cumulative impacts of pollutants such as microplastics, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants. Co-funded by the EU (€12 million or approximately ₹115 crore) and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (₹90 crore), this program seeks to develop advanced tools and strategies to protect marine ecosystems.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized the global nature of marine pollution and the necessity for collective action. He stated, “This joint call will enable us to develop advanced tools and strategies to protect our marine ecosystems.”
Advancing Green Hydrogen Technologies
The second initiative focuses on converting biogenic waste into hydrogen through cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods. This waste-to-hydrogen program is supported by the EU (€10 million or approximately ₹96 crore) and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (₹90 crore).
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in achieving energy transition goals. He noted, “Advancing waste-to-hydrogen technologies is crucial for our energy transition goals. This collaboration will accelerate the development of sustainable hydrogen production methods.”
Strengthening India-EU Collaboration
Marc Lemaître, Director-General Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, said, “Together the EU and India are investing €41 million in joint research.” It reflects the strong determination of the two regions to find common environmental challenges through collaborative research.
Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, remarked, “These research calls under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council demonstrate the dynamism of the EU-India partnership, renewed by our leaders in Delhi last February.”
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, added, “Collaborative research is the cornerstone of innovation. These programs will leverage the strengths of their respective Indian and European scientists to create solutions to our common environmental problems.”
Application Timelines
The research call for marine litter was launched on 6th May 2025 and that of the green hydrogen mission on 15th May 2025. All these schemes are part of a larger vision to enhance EU-India cooperation in the fields of science and technology.
