NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, India and Switzerland formalized their growing partnership by signing five cooperation agreements and arrangements following discussions in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the talks during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. The agreements encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. This visit marks Parmelin’s first official state visit to India and his second trip to the country in 2026.
The migration partnership introduced includes provisions for multiple-entry visas valid up to five years, with visits permitted for up to six months. It also offers renewable one-year permits for students. A dedicated Young Professionals Scheme will initially allow 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500 later. This program provides young professionals with temporary employment opportunities designed to foster career growth and language skills. The framework also addresses issues like irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals who are required to leave the country.
An agreement on transport and infrastructure expands cooperation to include electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and initiatives promoting the circular economy. India’s Department of Science and Technology also signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Additionally, a partnership connects the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences via the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme. This initiative aims to bolster innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and support science-based startups. Furthermore, both nations announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative focused on sectors such as health, clean energy, and space exploration.
Trade agreement bolsters economic collaboration
The discussions took place just one year after the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement officially came into effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA, comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, has set an ambitious target of attracting $100 billion in investments into India over the next 15 years, with a goal of creating one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that the implementation process remains on schedule. The two sides are also progressing in negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with the Swiss government describing these talks as being in advanced stages.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that both countries have taken concrete steps to improve Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also highlighted opportunities for Swiss investment in sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability initiatives. India has extended invitations for Swiss companies to deepen their involvement in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and skills development. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and mountain tunnelling. According to Swiss government data, around 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, or joint ventures.
Discussions include defence, energy, and global issues
The leaders also explored avenues for increased military cooperation and defence manufacturing, although these areas were not among the five agreements signed. They agreed to strengthen collaboration in nuclear energy and continued dialogue on artificial intelligence. Switzerland has announced plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI summit. The discussions also covered research collaboration and the importance of responsible, inclusive approaches to AI development. These topics were addressed alongside the new agreements related to mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their meeting, Modi and Parmelin also discussed broader geopolitical issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reform of international institutions. Parmelin traveled with representatives from business and science sectors and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will bring together government officials and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.