EU and India Launch Joint Initiative to Combat Marine Pollution - Ushering in a New Era of Scientific Diplomacy

In the age of emerging escalation of global crisis, particularly the marine pollution, the European Union and India have embarked a landmark collaborative initiative to combat the impacts of pollutants on marine organisms and ecosystems. The coordinated research call, was officially launched during a virtual networking event on May 6, 2025, setting an example on how international partnerships rooted in scientific cooperation can lead the charge against one of the most pressing environmental challenges. As the health of the oceans continues to deteriorate due to the unchecked spread of microplastics, heavy metals, chemical additives, and other contaminants, the need for transnational and interdisciplinary approaches has never been more critical. This new collaboration, co-funded by the European Commission and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, is not only an affirmation of mutual concern but a demonstration of joint responsibility and forward-looking diplomacy in environmental governance.

The event, jointly organized by the EU Delegation to India and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, with support from the European Commission, marked the formal launch of a coordinated call for proposals under the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 "Zero Pollution" programme. Also falling under the broader umbrella of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), specifically under the Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, this partnership reinforces both India’s and the EU’s shared objectives on sustainable development, environmental innovation, and policy alignment on climate-related challenges. Researchers, scientists, academic institutions, NGOs, and industry representatives from across Europe and India attended the event, not only to understand the call’s scope but also to explore collaborative opportunities, network with potential consortium partners, and pitch project ideas relevant to marine pollution monitoring, mitigation, and impact assessment.

During the event a very impactful addresses was delivered by Mr. Antonio Marquez Camacho, Policy Officer at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) of the European Commission. Speaking from Brussels, Mr. Camacho reflected on the long-standing collaboration between the EU and India in the field of science and technology, which spans over two decades. “This is the end of the beginning,” he said, alluding to the extensive groundwork that had led to the launch of the call. “Marine pollution is a global problem that respects no borders. We need to work together, innovate together, and act together. This call is a concrete step towards that goal. It reflects our collective will to co-develop solutions that benefit not only Europe and India, but the entire global community.”

Dr. Hafsa Ahmed, Scientist at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, offered critical insights into the origins and strategic value of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council. She traced the roots of the platform to the high-level engagement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2022, and its formalization following a bilateral cooperation meeting in 2023. Describing the TTC as a “strategic coordination and engagement mechanism on trade and technology,” Dr. Ahmed highlighted its three thematic focus areas: marine plastic litter, green hydrogen, and battery recycling technologies. She noted that the present call, centered on marine litter, was developed through a joint scoping exercise, concept papers, and bilateral workshops that carefully identified common priorities and gaps. “It is very heartening to see how far we have come. Today’s initiative is not just about research. It is about shared values, co-creation, and mutual trust in scientific excellence,” she said.

Adding to the strategic weight of the collaboration, Dr. Pashant Srivastava, Head of International Collaboration at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, India, spoke about the strong alignment between India’s national policies and the goals of the Horizon Europe programme. He reiterated the importance of this joint call in strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to global marine protection efforts. “This initiative clearly reaffirms our shared commitments to environmental challenges. It aligns perfectly with India’s forthcoming National Marine Litter Policy and the European Union’s Zero Pollution Action Plan. It is also in tune with the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science,” he stated. Dr. Srivastava emphasized that the call is aimed at developing new analytical tools, scientific insights, and enhanced community engagement to mitigate marine pollution.

The scientific scope of the call was presented in detail by Dr. SR Marie from the National Centre for Coastal Research, MoES. His presentation underlined three primary knowledge gaps that the initiative seeks to address: environmental and ecological impacts, technological limitations in monitoring and mitigation, and gaps in policy and citizen engagement. He explained the importance of developing robust, AI-powered surveillance systems, advanced analytical tools, and integrative approaches such as One Health to assess the cascading impacts of pollutants on ecosystems and human well-being. “Marine pollutants, whether microplastics, heavy metals, or emerging contaminants, are complex in their behavior and impact,” he said. “They have transboundary implications and affect everything from biodiversity to seafood safety. Our goal is to understand this complexity through interdisciplinary, scalable, and policy-relevant research.”

Dr. Vivek Dham from the EU Delegation to India, together with Dr. Anil Kumar Vijayan from MoES, presented the proposal submission guidelines and evaluation process. Their presentation detailed the funding structure, €12 million from the EU and ₹90 crore from India, with expectations to fund two major joint projects. Emphasis was placed on balanced consortium structures, requiring at least three independent partners from both India and the EU, with a strong preference for interdisciplinary collaboration. Projects must aim for a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5, signaling the importance of near-market technologies with real-world applicability. Dr. Dham stressed the joint nature of proposal development, submission, and evaluation, which will be conducted by both Indian and EU experts to ensure a unified and equitable review process. He noted that the proposals must be scientifically ambitious, socially inclusive, and policy relevant.

The event also featured a vibrant series of flash presentations from researchers and organizations eager to contribute to the initiative. Their proposals reflected the diversity of expertise across both regions, ranging from precision sensing and data analytics to ecosystem modeling and citizen engagement.

Throughout the event, speakers repeatedly emphasized the transdisciplinary, transboundary, and transformative nature of the collaboration. They underscored the need for science-based policymaking, community participation, and alignment with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Decade of Ocean Science. The coordination between governments, research bodies, startups, and civil society was held up as a model for future cooperation in other critical sectors.

The EU-India coordinated call on marine pollution is not just an R&D initiative, it is a diplomatic milestone and a symbol of co-leadership in the global effort to protect oceanic ecosystems. In an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment, such initiatives offer hope and direction, reinforcing that meaningful partnerships anchored in science can transcend borders and deliver solutions for common challenges.

This collaboration, forged in the spirit of mutual respect, knowledge exchange, and sustainable innovation, is a testament to the growing maturity of EU-India relations. It reflects a broader shift in international affairs, where science and technology diplomacy are no longer peripheral, but central to shaping the global future. By jointly addressing marine pollution, the EU and India are setting a precedent for how nations can work together - constructively, equitably, and effectively, in pursuit of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet.