NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level discussions in New Delhi on Monday, India and Switzerland formalized five collaboration agreements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations, which encompassed 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, marking his first official trip to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership that provides for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with each visit permitted for a maximum of six months, while student permits are eligible for annual renewal. An additional accord introduces a Young Professionals Scheme allowing 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500; this program facilitates temporary employment to enhance professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues such as irregular migration, human exploitation and trafficking.
Further, India and Switzerland signed an agreement focused on transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure, covering 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, an arrangement involving Zurich University of Applied Sciences supports innovation, technology transfer and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade agreement supports broader economic cooperation
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which went into effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs, with both sides confirming that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted efforts to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods, while also emphasizing opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability initiatives. India invited Swiss companies to participate more actively in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include projects like the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway developments and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced mobility, research and strategic ties discussed
During the talks, both leaders identified prospects for increased military exchanges and defence production, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy, although these topics were not part of the five agreements signed. India also announced plans for new joint research initiatives focused on health, clean energy and space exploration. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative aimed at fostering scientific collaboration, with artificial intelligence also playing a significant role, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Discussions between Modi and Parmelin also covered issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions and global governance, with India emphasizing mutual support for dialogue, diplomacy and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin, accompanied by a delegation of business and scientific representatives, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, where government and industry leaders will explore opportunities for investment and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.