NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized their strengthened partnership by signing five cooperation pacts 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 evaluated trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. This visit marks Parmelin’s first official 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, enabling visits of up to 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 potential to increase the quota to 500 later. The program aims to provide young professionals with temporary work opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals who must leave the country.
An agreement concerning transport and infrastructure promotes collaboration on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy initiatives. India’s Department of Science and Technology signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Another arrangement connects the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme. This initiative supports innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. Both nations also announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative focusing on sectors like health, clean energy, and space.
Trade Agreement Bolsters Broader Economic Relations
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Its investment framework aims to attract $100 billion in investments in India over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that the implementation process remains on schedule. The two countries are also in advanced negotiations over a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with Swiss officials describing those talks as progressing well.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also emphasized Swiss investment opportunities in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India has invited Swiss companies 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 firms operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Discussions Cover Defense, Energy, and Global Issues
The leaders also explored broader cooperation in military exchanges and defence production, although these topics did not lead to new signed agreements. They agreed to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy and continued dialogue on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. The discussions also included research cooperation and responsible, inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence. These talks complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their meeting, Modi and Parmelin also addressed issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral organizations, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international institutions. Parmelin was accompanied by business and scientific representatives and will participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. This event aims to bring together government and business leaders to discuss investment and cooperation under the trade agreement. His schedule also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.