India and the European Union (EU) have joined forces to tackle pressing global challenges through two groundbreaking research initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Established in 2022 by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the TTC aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and technology. With a combined investment of ₹391 crore (~€41 million), these initiatives focus on addressing marine plastic litter and waste-to-green hydrogen, fostering sustainable solutions for a cleaner planet.
Combating Marine Plastic Litter
Protecting Our Oceans
Launched on May 6, 2025, the first initiative targets the critical issue of marine plastic litter. Marine pollution, including microplastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants, threatens biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health. Co-funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme (€12 million/~₹115 crore) and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (₹90 crore), this research call seeks to develop innovative tools to monitor, assess, and mitigate pollutants. The initiative aligns with global efforts like the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and supports India’s National Marine Litter Policy.
Key focus areas include detecting micro/nano plastics, assessing risks to marine life, evaluating bioaccumulation in food chains, and developing waste management solutions to reduce marine plastics at source.
Waste-to-Green Hydrogen: A Sustainable Energy Future
Powering the Planet Responsibly
The second initiative, launched on May 15, 2025, focuses on converting biogenic waste into green hydrogen. This research call, supported by the EU (€10 million/~₹96 crore) and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (₹90 crore), aims to develop efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly hydrogen production methods. By leveraging waste from agriculture, forestry, and municipal sources, this initiative supports the EU’s Hydrogen Strategy and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced energy security.
Advanced technologies, such as catalysts and process intensification, are being explored to achieve high carbon-to-hydrogen yields and minimal environmental impact.
Why This Partnership Matters
A Shared Vision for Sustainability
The India-EU collaboration under the TTC exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development. By combining the expertise of Indian and European researchers, startups, and industries, these initiatives aim to deliver scalable solutions with global impact. From protecting marine ecosystems to advancing clean energy, this partnership drives innovation, promotes a circular economy, and enhances energy efficiency.
As Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, stated, “Collaborative research is the cornerstone of innovation. These initiatives will harness the strengths of both Indian and European researchers to develop solutions that address our shared environmental challenges.”
Key Facts About the India-EU Research Initiatives
- The India-EU TTC, launched in 2022, fosters collaboration in trade, technology, and innovation.
- The Marine Plastic Litter initiative, with ₹205 crore funding, addresses pollution impacting marine ecosystems and human health.
- The Waste-to-Green Hydrogen initiative, with ₹186 crore funding, promotes sustainable energy through innovative hydrogen production.
- Both initiatives align with global sustainability goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and national policies like India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Technological advancements, such as automated pollution detection and advanced catalysts, are key focus areas for scalable impact.