NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level talks 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 accords encompass areas such as migration, youth professional programs, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India, marking his first such visit and his second trip to the country this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, offering multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit permits stays of up to six months, with student permits available for renewal annually. Another pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme, allowing 300 participants from each nation annually, with potential to increase to 500. This program facilitates temporary employment to enhance professional and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Further, India and Switzerland signed an accord on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure projects. This includes electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transport sectors. An additional Letter of Intent connects India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Moreover, 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 came into effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The pact aims to mobilize $100 billion in Indian investments over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both sides reported that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted steps taken to expand Swiss access to Indian markets, especially for 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. India has invited Swiss firms to increase 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 Mobility, Research, and Defense Ties
Both leaders identified potential for expanded military exchanges and defence industry cooperation, while also agreeing to strengthen collaboration in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not covered by the five signed agreements. India announced plans for new joint research initiatives focusing on health, clean energy, and space exploration. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to promote scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence also played a role in the discussions, 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 emphasized that both nations support 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. This 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, managed by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.