India–EU Launch €15.2 Mn EV Battery Recycling Call to Secure Critical Minerals, Boost Circular Economy, and Strengthen Green Tech Ties

India and the European Union have jointly launched a €15.2 million (~₹169 crore) call for proposals under the Trade & Technology Council (TTC) to advance EV battery recycling technologies, with submissions open until 15 September 2026. This initiative aims to secure critical minerals, accelerate the circular economy, and strengthen India–EU green innovation ties.

The goal is to recycle old electric vehicle (EV) batteries so that valuable minerals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite can be reused instead of wasted. With this, India won’t have to rely as much on buying minerals from other countries. Recycling batteries reduces pollution and supports a greener future.

Researchers, industries, and startups from both India and Europe will work together, creating opportunities in technology and manufacturing.

• Launch Date: 5 May 2026
• Submission Deadline: 15 September 2026
• Funding Pool: €15.2 million (~₹169 crore)
• EU Component: Horizon Europe programme
• India Component: Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI)

Strategic Objectives

• Critical Mineral Security: Reduce dependence on imports by recycling lithium, cobalt, and graphite.
• Circular Economy Transition: Accelerate sustainable reuse and recovery of EV battery materials.
• Industrial Deployment: Establish a joint India–EU pilot line in India for real-world validation.
• Innovation Ecosystem: Connect researchers, industries, and startups across both regions.
• Climate Commitments: Support India’s net-zero targets and EU’s Green Deal goals.

Strategic Overview

Objective	Strategic Impact
Mineral Security	Ensures resilient supply chains for lithium, cobalt, graphite
Circular Economy	Promotes sustainable recycling and reuse of EV batteries
Pilot Deployment	Validates innovative recycling processes at industrial scale
Innovation Collaboration	Strengthens India–EU research and startup partnerships
Climate Alignment	Advances shared net-zero and green transition goals

Focus Areas

• High recovery rates of lithium, graphite, cobalt
• Handling mixed battery chemistries
• Safe, digitalised collection systems
• Inclusive logistics integrating informal sector
• Second-life applications with strict safety standards

Funding Overview

Contributor	Programme	Funding
European Union	Horizon Europe	€15.2m (shared)
Government of India	Ministry of Heavy Industries	₹169 crore (shared)

Leadership Remarks

• Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (PSA, Govt of India): “A pivotal moment in the India–EU strategic partnership.”
• H.E. Hervé Delphin (EU Ambassador): “Batteries sit at the core of the green transition.”
• Dr. Parvinder Maini (Scientific Secretary, PSA): “Catalyses momentum for a digitalized, inclusive logistics model.”
• Marc Lemaître (DG RTD, European Commission): “Strengthening bond in green innovation and resilient value chains.”

Global Significance

• Supports India’s net-zero commitments and EU’s Green Deal
• Strengthens bilateral research cooperation under TTC Working Group 2
• Positions India as a hub for advanced recycling technologies

Next Steps

• Proposal submissions open until 15 September 2026
• Pilot demonstrations to showcase innovative recycling processes
• Long-term vision: resilient supply chain for critical minerals