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 accords encompass migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is currently on a three-day state visit to India, his first to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership that offers multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, while student permits are renewable annually. An additional accord creates a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each nation annually, with potential expansion to 500. This program facilitates temporary employment to develop professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Furthermore, India and Switzerland signed an agreement concerning transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure. It covers areas such as electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transportation 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 Underpins Broader Economic Goals
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. The agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both parties affirmed that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also reported that negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India invited Swiss companies to expand their involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway initiatives, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Expanding Cooperation in Mobility, Research, and Defense
Both leaders identified prospects for enhanced military exchanges and defense manufacturing, while agreeing to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. India also announced new joint research initiatives focused on health, clean energy, and space exploration. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to promote scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Modi and Parmelin discussed issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India expressed support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with a delegation of business and scientific representatives and plans 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.