From AI to semiconductors: Breaking down the latest India-EU technology partnership

India and the European Union have taken another step towards building a closer technology partnership, agreeing to deepen collaboration across some of the world's fastest-growing sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technologies, clean energy and digital infrastructure.

The commitments were made during the third meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held in Brussels on Wednesday. While trade remains an important pillar of the relationship, the latest discussions reflected a broader strategic shift, with both sides placing greater emphasis on emerging technologies, resilient supply chains and research-led innovation.

The meeting also set the stage for new initiatives ranging from an innovation hub focused on electric vehicle charging to negotiations that could give Indian researchers greater access to Europe's largest research funding programme.

Here's a look at the major takeaways.

What is the new India-EU technology deal about?

The latest meeting reaffirmed the Trade and Technology Council as the main platform driving cooperation between India and the European Union in areas that are becoming increasingly important for economic growth and national security.

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Established in 2022, the TTC is India's first such technology-focused framework with any international partner. It brings together policymakers to coordinate on issues spanning digital technologies, green energy, trade and investment.

During the Brussels meeting, both sides agreed to upgrade the council by the end of 2026 in line with the Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted earlier this year. Ministers also instructed the TTC's working groups to accelerate implementation of projects already under discussion while identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

Beyond government-level engagement, India and the EU also plan to encourage stronger participation from businesses and industry, particularly in sectors where both are seeking to reduce dependence on concentrated global supply chains.

Electric vehicle charging technologies move into focus

One of the most significant announcements from the meeting was the decision to establish the first India-EU Innovation Hub dedicated to electric vehicle (EV) charging technologies and testing.

The initiative aims to bring together researchers, industry experts and innovators to develop charging solutions that are interoperable, reliable and scalable. As both India and Europe push towards cleaner transport systems, standardising charging technologies has become increasingly important.

The partners also agreed to launch an EU-India Startup Partnership focused on deep-tech clean technologies. The initiative is expected to help startups from both regions access new markets, collaborate on commercialisation and accelerate the adoption of innovative climate technologies.

The clean technology agenda extends beyond mobility. India and the EU reviewed several ongoing research programmes backed by a combined investment of EUR 60 million over four years. These projects include work on waste-to-hydrogen technologies, marine pollution and recycling batteries used in electric vehicles.

Both sides also agreed to begin exchanging expertise on Hydrogen Valleys and hydrogen safety standards later this year as they seek to expand cooperation in the emerging green hydrogen economy.

Digital connectivity gets an AI boost

Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the strongest areas of cooperation during the meeting.

India and the EU agreed to expand collaboration on responsible AI, including sharing experiences on deploying AI in sectors such as healthcare. Rather than focusing solely on developing advanced AI models, the discussions centred on ensuring the technology is adopted safely, ethically and in ways that deliver public benefits.

The partnership will also explore joint research in high-performance computing, particularly for applications involving climate modelling, natural hazards and bioinformatics.

Digital infrastructure was another major area of discussion.

Both sides agreed to continue technical work aimed at making digital trust services interoperable. This includes efforts related to digital wallets and electronic signatures following an administrative agreement signed earlier this year.

The meeting also highlighted cooperation on future communication technologies, including 6G standards, while reaffirming support for the movement of skilled ICT professionals between India and Europe after the launch of the European Legal Gateway Office pilot in India.

Semiconductor supply chains remain a strategic priority

Semiconductors continue to be a cornerstone of the India-EU technology partnership.

Recognising the growing geopolitical importance of chip manufacturing, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in building secure and resilient semiconductor supply chains. Discussions covered advanced manufacturing capabilities, investment opportunities and closer collaboration between the semiconductor ecosystems in India and Europe.

The renewed focus comes as governments worldwide seek to diversify chip production following disruptions experienced during recent global supply chain crises.

By encouraging investment and technical cooperation, India and the EU hope to strengthen long-term supply security while supporting domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Research collaboration set to expand

Another major outcome of the meeting was the decision to begin formal negotiations on India's association with Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship research and innovation programme.

If negotiations conclude as planned before the end of 2026, Indian researchers and institutions could gain broader opportunities to participate in collaborative European research projects across science, technology and innovation.

The move reflects a wider effort to strengthen research partnerships between the two sides, particularly in areas such as AI, quantum technologies, clean energy and digital transformation.

Alongside research, India and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to improving cooperation in trade and investment. Discussions covered sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and clean energy technologies, while both sides also stressed the importance of reforming the World Trade Organisation to better address evolving global trade challenges.

As technological competition increasingly shapes global geopolitics, the latest TTC meeting signals that India and the European Union are seeking to position their partnership around trusted innovation, resilient supply chains and long-term research collaboration rather than trade alone.