NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, India and Switzerland formalized their collaboration through five new agreements during high-level discussions held in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations. These accords encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is currently on a three-day state visit to India, marking his first official visit to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership that grants multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, with student permits eligible for annual renewal. Another pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme, welcoming 300 participants from each nation annually. This quota may increase to 500, and the program facilitates temporary employment to enhance professional and language skills. The migration framework also emphasizes measures against irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Furthermore, India and Switzerland signed a memorandum on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure development. The agreement encompasses 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, Zurich University of Applied Sciences is involved in supporting innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program.
Trade Agreement Anchors Broader Economic Strategy
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which became effective on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Both parties reported that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement are in an advanced stage.
Modi highlighted steps taken to expand 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. India has invited Swiss firms to increase their involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced Cooperation in Defense, Research, and Strategic Areas
The leaders explored avenues for expanded military exchanges and defense manufacturing, agreeing to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. While these topics were discussed, they were not included in the five signed agreements. India announced plans for new joint research initiatives focused on health, clean energy, and space. An Indo-Swiss Research Flagship program was also launched to bolster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was a key topic, with preparations underway for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Discussions between Modi and Parmelin also touched on issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral organizations, and global governance. Both nations expressed support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international institutions. Parmelin, accompanied by a delegation of business and scientific leaders, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event will gather government officials and business representatives 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.