NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Amid ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations, India and Switzerland advanced their partnership through the signing of five new cooperation agreements on Monday in New Delhi. The discussions were led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin. These accords encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined collaborations in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is on his first state visit to India, which lasts three days, and this marks his second visit to the country this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership that offers multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, and student permits are eligible for annual renewal. Another accord introduces a Young Professionals Scheme permitting 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500. This program facilitates temporary employment to develop professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Further agreements include a pact on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure, covering electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transport sectors. A separate Letter of Intent connects India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Additionally, an arrangement involving Zurich University of Applied Sciences supports innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade Agreement Supports Broader Economic Goals
The diplomatic talks coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which officially came into effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over the next 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Both nations reported that the implementation process is progressing as planned. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted steps taken to improve Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out opportunities for Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability initiatives. India extended an invitation to Swiss firms to expand their activities in infrastructure, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include projects such as the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway developments, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced Mobility, Scientific, and Strategic Ties Discussed
During the talks, the leaders identified potential for increased military exchanges and defence manufacturing, while also agreeing to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy—topics discussed but not included in the five new agreements. India announced new joint research initiatives focusing on health, clean energy, and space exploration. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to promote scientific cooperation. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit in 2027.
Discussions also touched on geopolitical issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, and reforms within multilateral institutions and global governance. India affirmed that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms to strengthen global institutions. Parmelin, accompanied by a delegation of business and scientific leaders, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, where government and business representatives will explore further investment and cooperation opportunities under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.