India and European Union (EU) jointly launched two major research and innovation initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to address:
- Marine plastic pollution
- Sustainable hydrogen production from waste
Joint Investment: ₹391 crore (approx. €41 million)
Aim: Initiatives aim to strengthen research collaboration between India and the EU.
Initiatives 1. Tackling Marine Plastic Pollution
Objective:
- To combat marine plastic litter and other pollutants (microplastics, heavy metals, organic compounds) threatening ocean biodiversity and human health.
Co-funded by:
- EU and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences
Focus on developing advanced tools for:
- Monitoring marine pollution
- Assessing environmental impact
- Reducing pollutants in marine ecosystems
Supports:
- India’s National Marine Litter Policy
- EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan
- UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
- Aim: Formulate effective strategies to protect marine biodiversity
Initiative 2. Developing Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Waste
Objective:
- To develop green hydrogen production technologies from biogenic waste (agricultural, municipal, industrial).
Supported by:
- EU and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Aligned with:
- EU Hydrogen Strategy
- India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission
Focus on:
- Cost-effective, clean hydrogen technologies
- Circular economy through waste-to-energy conversion
Target:
- Sustainable energy transition and reduction of carbon emissions
Way Forward
- Global Call for Proposals launched this month for collaborative research.
- Opportunities for Indian and European researchers, start-ups, SMEs, and incubators.
- Aims to drive progress on environmental protection, clean energy, and waste management technologies.
About India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
| Feature | Details |
| Established | April 2022 by PM Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen |
| Purpose | Deepen cooperation in trade, technology, and security |
| Significance | First such platform for India, second globally for EU (after US-EU TTC in 2021) |
| Frequency | Ministerial meetings held annually, venue alternates between India & EU |
TTC Key Functions:
- Address challenges at the intersection of trade, trusted technology, and security
- Enhance strategic partnership, clean energy, digital governance, and supply chain resilience
Three Working Groups under TTC:
- Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance & Digital Connectivity
- Green & Clean Energy Technologies
- Trade, Investment & Resilient Value Chains
Significance for India
- Boosts India-EU bilateral trade (currently at record highs)
- Promotes research collaborations, clean energy leadership, and sustainable development
- Enhances India’s climate action goals and scientific diplomacy