India-EU Trade and Technology Council

India-EU Trade and Technology Council: Recently, India and the European Union (EU) launched two major joint research initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

• Research Initiatives Under India-EU TTC:

o Marine Plastic Litter (MPL): Combat marine pollution using innovative tools and sustainable solutions.

ü Scope: Tackle pollutants (microplastics, heavy metals, POPs) and their effects on marine life, food chains, and health.

ü Focus: Detect micro/nano plastics, assess ecological risks, track pollution, and align with global ocean initiatives.

ü Outcomes: Develop tools, inform policy, and strengthen India-EU marine ties.

o Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH): Develop sustainable technologies to produce green hydrogen from biogenic waste.

ü Scope: Joint research on hydrogen production from various biogenic wastes.

ü Focus: Advanced catalysts, process intensification, feedstock treatment, and diverse production methods.

ü Goals: High conversion efficiency, low emissions, cost-effectiveness, and minimal environmental impact.

ü Outcomes: Scalable, safe hydrogen technologies and strengthened India-EU clean energy collaboration supporting national missions.

• About India-EU TTC : A bilateral platform to boost cooperation on trade, technology, and security between India and the EU.

o EU’s second TTC (after the US) and India’s first-ever TTC.

o Announced in April 2022, launched in February 2023, with the first ministerial meeting in May 2023 alongside FTA talks.