NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level discussions in New Delhi on Monday, India and Switzerland formalized five new cooperation agreements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations. These agreements 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 visiting India for a three-day state trip, his first to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the accords establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, offering multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last a maximum of six months, and student permits are renewable annually. Another agreement introduces a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each country 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.
India and Switzerland also signed an agreement focused 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 promotes innovation, technology transfer, and support for early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade agreement underpins broader economic cooperation
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which 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 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both parties reported that implementation is progressing smoothly. Switzerland also mentioned that negotiations concerning a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. India invited Swiss companies to increase activities in infrastructure development, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include projects such as the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway developments, and tunnelling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced cooperation in mobility, research, and strategic sectors
The leaders discussed expanding military exchanges and defence manufacturing, along with deepening collaboration in nuclear energy, although these topics were not included in the five new agreements. India announced that upcoming joint research initiatives will focus on health, clean energy, and space. Both governments revealed the launch of an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship programme to promote scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was also a key topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Modi and Parmelin also exchanged views on Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral organizations, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms to improve global institutions. Parmelin arrived with a delegation of business and scientific representatives and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will gather government 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.