Context

• Recently, India-EU Trade and Technology Council has launched an Expression of Interest for Startups in Battery Recycling Technologies for Electric Vehicles.

India, EU Launches Initiative for EV Start-ups

• Collaboration between India- EU: The European Union (EU) and India have issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for startups in Battery Recycling technology for Electric Vehicles (EVs) to foster collaboration between European and Indian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in clean and green technology.
• Aim of the Programme: This programme is part of the India-EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC), which aims to promote a sustainable agenda and strengthen commercial partnerships.

About India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)

• First Trade and Technological Council: The India-EU Trade and Technology Council is the EU’s second bilateral forum and India’s first created with any partner. In June 2021, the European Union and the United States began a TTC.
• Aim: To establish a high-level coordination platform for solving critical issues at the convergence of trade, trusted technology, and security.
• Meetings of the Council: Ministerial meetings under the TTC are held annually to ensure regular high-level contact between India and the EU.
  • These meetings are held to foster balanced participation and strengthen bilateral collaboration.
• Working Groups: The TTC is made up of three Working Groups (WGs) that report on roadmaps for future collaboration.
• The Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity: It will collaborate on topics of mutual interest, including digital connectivity, AI, 5G/6G, high performance and quantum computing, semiconductors, cloud systems, cybersecurity, digital skills, and digital platforms.
• The Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies: It will prioritize green technologies, including investment and standards, with a focus on research and innovation.
• WG for Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains: It will aim to strengthen supply chains and improve access to vital components, energy, and raw materials.
  • It will also aim to overcome recognised trade impediments and global trade difficulties by encouraging cooperation in multilateral settings.