By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : May 07, 2026 8:24 am
The call for proposals aims to secure critical raw materials, accelerate global transition to a circular economy, and strengthen bilateral relations between India and the European Union
India and the European Union (EU) have furthered their green energy partnership by announcing a third coordinated call for proposals focused on EV battery recycling. This initiative, operating under the India-EU TTC, invites submissions until September 15, 2026, to develop high-efficiency material recovery and digitalised collection systems.
With a combined funding pool of Rs. 169 crore, the initiative will be funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, while the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will support the Indian component.
The programme will focus on developing advanced recycling technologies, including high-efficiency material recovery, safe and digitalised collection systems, and pilot-scale demonstration of innovative processes. It will also support the establishment of a joint India-EU pilot line in India to enable real-world validation and industrial deployment, bringing together leading researchers, industries, and startups.
The call for proposal prioritizes securing critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite by focusing on high-efficiency recovery, mixed-chemistry processing, safe logistics, and second-life applications.
On the launch of these calls, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India said, "This launch is a pivotal moment in the India-EU strategic partnership. As India’s EV market continues its rapid expansion, creating a robust domestic recycling ecosystem is essential for our resource security and environmental commitments."
Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India highlighted the importance of batteries that sit at the core of the green transition.
The goal is to translate the innovations from the development phase to real-world deployment; thereby, directly investing in mineral security and shared climate goals added Delphin.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the PSA said, "This joint initiative marks a critical leap in India’s circular economy and catalyses momentum for pioneering a digitalized, inclusive logistics model that integrates the informal sector while ensuring the highest safety standards for second-life applications."
Marc Lemaître, Director-General, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (RTD), European Commission emphasised on 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 our economies.