NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Following discussions in New Delhi on October 5, India and Switzerland formalized five cooperation agreements and arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the talks during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. The accords encompass migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin’s trip marks his first official state visit to India and his second visit to the country in 2026.
The migration partnership facilitates multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with visits lasting as long as six months. It also offers renewable one-year permits for students. An initial Young Professionals Scheme will admit 300 participants from each country annually, with the potential to increase the quota to 500 later. This programme provides young professionals with temporary employment opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave.
A new transport and infrastructure agreement 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. Additionally, an arrangement connects the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme. This initiative aims to foster innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and support science-based startups. Both nations also announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship programme covering sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade agreement boosts economic cooperation
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which became effective on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Its investment framework aims to attract $100 billion in Indian investments over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that implementation remains on track. The two countries are also progressing in negotiations 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 emphasized Swiss investment prospects in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India extended invitations for Swiss participation in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and skills development. Current collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and mountain tunnelling. According to Swiss government data, roughly 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Discussions include defence, energy, and global issues
The leaders also explored broader topics such as military cooperation and defence manufacturing, although these areas were not among the five agreements signed. They agreed to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy and continue dialogue on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s AI summit scheduled for 2026. The discussions also covered research cooperation and responsible, inclusive AI development. These topics complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their meeting, Modi and Parmelin reviewed regional issues including Ukraine, West Asia, and multilateral institutions, emphasizing mutual support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reform of international bodies. Parmelin traveled with representatives from business and science sectors and will attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event will bring together government and industry leaders to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation under the trade agreement. His schedule also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.