India and the European Union on 5th May launched a EUR 15.2 million (US$ 17.86 million) joint initiative to support electric vehicle battery recycling under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 on green and clean energy technologies.

The programme marks the third coordinated call for proposals between the two sides, with submissions open until September 15th, 2026.

Focus on circular economy

The initiative aims to strengthen access to critical raw materials, support the transition to a circular economy, and deepen collaboration between India and the EU. Funding will be provided through Horizon Europe, while the Ministry of Heavy Industries will support the Indian component of the programme.

The initiative will focus on the development of recycling technologies, including high-efficiency material recovery, digitalised collection systems, and pilot-scale demonstration projects. It will also support the establishment of a joint India-EU pilot line in India for industrial validation.

Key focus areas include achieving high recovery rates, handling mixed battery chemistries, integrating logistics systems, and establishing safety standards for second-life applications involving materials such as lithium, graphite, and cobalt.

Strategic importance

Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, stated that the initiative represents a step towards strengthening the partnership between India and the EU. He noted that, as India's EV market expands, the development of a domestic recycling ecosystem is important for securing resources and meeting environmental objectives.

Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, stated that batteries are central to the green transition, and that the programme aims to move innovations from development to deployment while supporting mineral security.

Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the PSA, stated that the initiative supports the development of a digital and inclusive recycling ecosystem, including the integration of the informal sector.

Marc Lemaitre, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, stated that the collaboration would help establish a cross-continental value chain for critical materials.

The initiative reflects growing cooperation between India and the EU in green technologies and supply-chain resilience, particularly within the EV ecosystem.