NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized their strengthened partnership by signing five cooperation agreements and arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the discussions during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. These agreements encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin’s visit marks his first 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, with visits limited to six months. It also introduces renewable one-year permits for students. A separate Young Professionals Scheme will initially admit 300 participants from each country annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500 later. This program offers young professionals temporary employment opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework also addresses concerns related to irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave the country.
An agreement on transport and infrastructure promotes collaboration on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy solutions. Additionally, 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, which supports innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. Furthermore, the two nations announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative focusing on sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade agreement boosts economic collaboration
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. Its investment framework aims to attract $100 billion in investments to India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that its implementation remains on schedule. The two countries are also in advanced negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with the Swiss government indicating progress in those talks.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss market access for Indian farm products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also emphasized Swiss investment opportunities in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. India has invited further Swiss involvement 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, around 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Discussions on defence, energy, and global affairs
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 dialogue on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. Both governments discussed joint research efforts and approaches to responsible, inclusive artificial intelligence development. These conversations complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
Furthermore, Modi and Parmelin reviewed issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India affirmed that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin, accompanied by business and scientific representatives, will attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. This event will gather government officials and business leaders to explore investment and cooperation opportunities under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.