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 presided over the negotiations. The agreements encompass migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. They also addressed trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence collaborations. Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India, his first 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, with each visit lasting a maximum of six months. Student permits under this framework are renewable annually. Another pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each nation annually, with potential expansion to 500, facilitating temporary work to enhance professional and language skills. The migration framework also emphasizes measures against irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Additionally, India and Switzerland signed an accord on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure, covering electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy projects, and other transport sectors. A separate Letter of Intent connects India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Zurich University of Applied Sciences is involved in supporting innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Economic Strategy Anchored by Trade Agreement
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 investments in India over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Both nations confirmed that implementation is progressing as planned, with Switzerland also reporting that negotiations on 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 to opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. India extended invitations for Swiss companies to increase involvement in infrastructure projects such as capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling work in mountainous regions.
Enhanced Mobility, Scientific, and Strategic Ties Discussed
The leaders explored prospects for expanded military exchanges and defence manufacturing, as well as deepening cooperation in nuclear energy—areas discussed but not covered by the five agreements. India announced new joint research initiatives in health, clean energy, and space exploration. Both governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to bolster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit in 2027.
Discussions also covered topics such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India emphasized mutual support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within global 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 event will gather government and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.