NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized their partnership through the signing of five cooperation agreements and arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin spearheaded discussions during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. The agreements encompass migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. Additionally, the leaders examined trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. This visit marks Parmelin’s first state visit to India and his second trip to the country in 2026.
The migration cooperation enables multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with visits lasting as long as six months. It also introduces renewable one-year permits for students. An initial Young Professionals Scheme will admit 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500 later. The program offers young professionals temporary employment opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework also tackles issues like irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave the country.
A new transport and infrastructure agreement promotes collaboration on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy applications. The Indian Department of Science and Technology also signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Furthermore, an arrangement links the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme, which aims to foster innovation, technology transfer, and support science-based startups. Both nations also announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative focusing on sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade agreement bolsters economic relations
The discussions occurred shortly after 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 framework for investment aims to attract $100 billion into India over 15 years and create 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 discussions as advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss market access for Indian farm goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering products. He also emphasized Swiss investment opportunities in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India extended an invitation for Swiss firms to participate further in infrastructure design, manufacturing, and skills development. Existing projects include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway initiatives, and mountain tunnelling. According to Swiss government data, approximately 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Defense, energy, and international issues discussed
During their meeting, the leaders also explored broader military cooperation and defence manufacturing, although these topics did not result in formal agreements. They agreed to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy and continue discussions on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. Both governments also examined research partnerships and approaches to responsible, inclusive AI development. These conversations complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
Additionally, Modi and Parmelin addressed global concerns including Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and international governance. India stated that both countries support dialogue, diplomacy, and reform of international organizations. Parmelin was accompanied by business and scientific representatives and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will bring together 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.