NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During a high-level discussion in New Delhi, 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 discussed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is 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, offering multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, with student permits renewable annually. Another accord creates a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each country annually. This quota may increase to 500, and the program is designed to facilitate temporary work to enhance professional and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
India and Switzerland further signed an agreement concerning transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure. This covers electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy projects, and other transportation sectors. Additionally, a Letter of Intent was signed between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation. Zurich University of Applied Sciences is involved in a separate arrangement supporting innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups via the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program.
Trade agreement underpins broader economic initiatives
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which became effective on October 1, 2025. EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The pact aims to mobilize $100 billion in investments in India over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Both parties confirmed that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out potential opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability initiatives. India has invited Swiss firms to increase involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Ongoing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling works in mountainous regions.
Enhanced cooperation in mobility, research, and strategic areas
Both leaders identified prospects for expanded military exchanges and defence production, while also agreeing to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy. These subjects were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. India announced new joint research initiatives focusing on health, clean energy, and space. Additionally, the two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to foster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was also a topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit in 2027.
Discussions also covered Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India emphasized that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin, accompanied by a business and scientific delegation, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event will gather government and business representatives to explore investment opportunities and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.