NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level discussions in New Delhi on Monday, India and Switzerland formalized five cooperation agreements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations. The agreements encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is currently on a three-day state visit to India, his first ever to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, allowing 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 pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme, offering 300 participants from each nation the opportunity to engage annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500. The program facilitates temporary employment to enhance professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Further, India and Switzerland signed an agreement concerning transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure, covering 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. Additionally, Zurich University of Applied Sciences is involved in supporting innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade agreement supports broader economic goals
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both parties reported that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India and Switzerland have taken measures to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He highlighted opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. India also invited 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 projects, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhancing mobility, research, and strategic partnerships
The leaders identified avenues for expanded military exchanges and defence production, agreeing to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. These areas were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. Additionally, India announced new joint research initiatives focused on health, clean energy, and space exploration. The two governments also unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to foster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was a key topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Discussions between Modi and Parmelin also covered geopolitical issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with a delegation comprising business and scientific representatives and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. This summit will gather government officials and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.