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. These agreements encompass migration, youth employment initiatives, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also evaluated cooperation in trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is visiting India for the first time as part of a three-day state trip, his second visit this year.
One agreement establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, allowing multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, with student permits renewable annually. Another pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500. This program aims to facilitate temporary work, enhancing professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
In addition, India and Switzerland signed an accord on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure, which includes electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy projects, and other transportation sectors. A separate Letter of Intent connects India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Furthermore, Zurich University of Applied Sciences is involved through an arrangement that promotes innovation, technology transfer, and support for early-stage startups via the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade agreement underpins wider economic efforts
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. The agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investments in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both parties reported that implementation is progressing smoothly. Switzerland also noted that negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted steps taken to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out potential Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India has invited Swiss companies to increase involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling work in mountainous regions.
Enhanced cooperation in mobility, research, and defense
Both leaders identified prospects for expanded military exchanges and defense production while agreeing to strengthen collaboration in nuclear energy. These areas were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. India announced plans for new joint research initiatives focusing on health, clean energy, and space. The two governments also unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to foster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was another key topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Discussions between Modi and Parmelin also covered issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India emphasized that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms in global institutions. Parmelin traveled with a delegation from business and science sectors and is scheduled to participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The 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.