India and the European Union have launched a €15.2 million (around ₹169 crore) joint initiative focused on electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group-2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies.
The coordinated call for proposals was announced on May 5, 2026, while the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India issued the statement on May 6. The submission deadline for proposals has been fixed as September 15, 2026.
The initiative aims to strengthen critical raw material security, support the transition towards a circular economy, and deepen India-EU cooperation in clean technology sectors. Funding for the programme will be provided through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, while the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will support the Indian component.
According to the statement, the programme will focus on advanced recycling technologies for EV batteries, including high-efficiency recovery of materials, digitalised and safe collection systems, and pilot-scale demonstrations of innovative recycling processes.
The initiative will also support the establishment of a joint India-EU pilot line in India for industrial-scale validation and deployment. Researchers, industries, and startups from both sides are expected to participate in the programme.
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The call for proposals will specifically focus on improving recovery rates and handling mixed battery chemistries while addressing logistics, inclusion, safety, and second-life applications for critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, and cobalt.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the launch marks a pivotal moment in the India-EU strategic partnership. He noted that as India’s EV market expands rapidly, building a strong domestic battery recycling ecosystem is becoming increasingly important for resource security and environmental commitments.
Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, highlighted the importance of batteries in the global green transition. He said the initiative aims to move innovations from the development stage to real-world deployment while supporting mineral security and shared climate goals.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the PSA, stated that the initiative represents a major step for India’s circular economy and would help develop a digitalised and inclusive logistics model integrating the informal sector while maintaining high safety standards for second-life battery applications.
Marc Lemaître, Director-General, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (RTD), European Commission, emphasised the strengthening bond between the EU and India in the field of green innovation and co-creating a resilient, cross-continental value chain that will ensure that the strategic materials of tomorrow remain within both economies.
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