11 May 2026 at 07:49 pm IST
The European Union (EU) and India launched a joint €15.2 million (around ₹169 crore) initiative on May 6, 2026, aimed at strengthening electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling and critical mineral recovery. The programme was introduced under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies. The initiative seeks to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy while reducing dependence on imported critical raw materials used in EV batteries. Funding will be jointly provided through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Both sides also launched a coordinated call for proposals, with submissions open until September 15, 2026. The programme will support the development of advanced recycling technologies, including high-efficiency material recovery systems, digitalised collection networks, and pilot-scale demonstration projects. A joint EU-India pilot line will also be established in India to help validate recycling technologies for industrial deployment. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening EU-India cooperation in sustainable technologies. Officials noted that with India’s EV market expanding rapidly, building a strong domestic battery recycling ecosystem will be critical for securing materials such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite while supporting long-term environmental goals.
