New Delhi, May 6, 2026: India and the European Union have jointly launched a €15.2 million (approximately ₹169 crore) initiative to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group-2 on green and clean energy technologies.
Announced on May 5, 2026, the programme invites proposals for advanced recycling solutions, with submissions open until September 15, 2026. The initiative is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, with support from India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries for the domestic component.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by ensuring the availability of critical raw materials and enhancing bilateral cooperation. It focuses on developing advanced recycling technologies, including high-efficiency material recovery systems, safe and digitally enabled collection mechanisms, and pilot-scale demonstrations of innovative processes.
A key component of the programme is the establishment of a joint India-EU pilot line in India, enabling real-world validation and industrial deployment. The initiative is expected to bring together researchers, industry players, and startups to address challenges such as high recovery rates, mixed battery chemistries, logistics integration, and the secure handling of critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and cobalt.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, described the initiative as a significant milestone in India-EU strategic ties, highlighting the need for a robust domestic recycling ecosystem amid rapid EV market expansion.
EU Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, emphasized the central role of batteries in the green transition, noting that the initiative aims to translate innovation into real-world applications while strengthening mineral security and shared climate goals.
Officials also underlined the programme’s focus on building an inclusive and digitally enabled logistics model, integrating informal sectors and ensuring high safety standards for second-life battery applications.
The initiative marks a step forward in building a resilient, sustainable, and globally integrated battery value chain between India and the European Union.
