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 spearheaded 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, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India, marking his first official visit to the country and his second visit in 2023.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, which allows for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit under this scheme can last as long as six months, with student permits 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.
In addition, India and Switzerland signed an agreement concerning transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure. The scope includes 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. Furthermore, an arrangement with Zurich University of Applied Sciences supports innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade Agreement Supports Broader Economic Goals
The discussions took place on 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 confirmed that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also reported 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 emphasized opportunities for Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India extended an invitation to Swiss companies to increase their involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway initiatives, and tunneling projects in mountainous regions.
Enhanced Collaboration in Mobility, Research, and Defense
The leaders identified potential for expanded military exchanges and defense manufacturing, along with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. While these topics were discussed, they are not covered by the five agreements signed. India announced that new joint research initiatives would focus on health, clean energy, and space exploration. Additionally, the two governments revealed plans for a pioneering Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to bolster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was also a key topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Discussions between Modi and Parmelin also included Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India expressed its support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin, accompanied by a delegation of business and scientific representatives, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. This summit will gather government officials and industry leaders to discuss further investment and collaboration under the trade agreement. His itinerary also features a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.