NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level discussions in New Delhi on Monday, India and Switzerland formalized five cooperation agreements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin headed the negotiations. The agreements encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India, marking his first such visit to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership offering multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, while student permits are renewable annually. Another accord introduces a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each nation annually, with potential to increase to 500. This program facilitates temporary work to enhance professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Additionally, India and Switzerland signed an agreement focused on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure development. It covers electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transport-related sectors. A separate Letter of Intent connects India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. 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 underpins broader economic strategy
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 pact aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both parties confirmed that implementation is progressing as planned. Switzerland also reported that negotiations regarding 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 investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India has invited Swiss companies to increase involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunnelling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced mobility, research, and strategic collaborations discussed
Both leaders identified prospects for expanded military exchanges and defense production, in addition to strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. India also announced new joint research initiatives in health, clean energy, and space. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to promote scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was also a topic of discussion, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Modi and Parmelin also exchanged views on Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India affirmed both nations’ support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled 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 and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.