NEW DELHI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- India and the European Union (EU) have jointly launched a 15.2-million-euro (about 17.8 million U.S. dollars) initiative to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, officials said Wednesday.

The move is aimed at promoting a circular economy, thus marking a significant step in their growing partnership on clean and green technologies.

The initiative includes a coordinated call for proposals focused on EV battery recycling.

According to officials, the programme will focus on developing advanced recycling technologies, including high-efficiency material recovery, safe and digitalized collection systems, and pilot-scale demonstration of innovative processes. ■