NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized their strengthened partnership by signing five cooperation accords and arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the discussions during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. The agreements encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin’s visit marks his first state visit to India and his second trip to the country in 2026.
The migration partnership facilitates multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with visits permitted for a maximum of six months. It also offers renewable one-year permits for students. Additionally, a Young Professionals Scheme will initially admit 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500 later. This program provides young professionals with temporary employment opportunities aimed at developing their careers and language skills. The migration framework also tackles issues related to irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave the country.
An agreement on transport and infrastructure enhances cooperation on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and applications of the circular economy. India’s Department of Science and Technology also signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Furthermore, an arrangement connects the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme. This initiative promotes innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. The two nations also announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative covering sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade agreement bolsters economic collaboration
The discussions took place just after the one-year anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement going into effect, which occurred on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Its investment framework aims to attract $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that implementation remains on schedule. Negotiations are also underway for a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with the Swiss government describing those talks as advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out Swiss investment opportunities in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. India invited further Swiss involvement in infrastructure design, manufacturing, and skills development. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and mountain tunneling. According to Swiss government data, approximately 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Discussions on defence, energy, and global issues
The leaders also addressed broader topics such as military exchanges and defence production, although these areas were not part of the five signed agreements. They agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy and continue dialogue on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. Both governments also discussed research collaboration and responsible, inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence, alongside the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their meeting, Modi and Parmelin also reviewed issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India emphasized mutual support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reform of international organizations. Parmelin traveled with representatives from business and science sectors and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, which 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.