NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized their strengthened partnership through signing five cooperation agreements and arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the discussions during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. The agreements encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. Both leaders also examined trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. This visit marks Parmelin’s first state visit to India and his second trip to the country in 2026.
The migration cooperation facilitates multiple-entry visas valid up to five years, with visits lasting as long as six months. It also offers renewable one-year permits for students. An initial Young Professionals Scheme will admit 300 participants from each nation annually, with the potential to increase the quota to 500. This programme provides young professionals with temporary employment opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework further addresses issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave.
A new transport and infrastructure accord promotes collaboration on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy initiatives. Additionally, India’s Department of Science and Technology signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. An arrangement also connects the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme, which aims to foster innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. Furthermore, the two nations announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative covering sectors including health, clean energy, and space.
Trade Agreement Bolsters Broader Economic Engagement
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’s investment framework aims to attract $100 billion in Indian investments over 15 years and generate one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that implementation remains on track. Negotiations are also underway for a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with Swiss officials describing those talks as advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss access for Indian exports such as farm goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering products. He also emphasized Swiss investment prospects in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India extended invitations for Swiss involvement in infrastructure development, manufacturing, and skills training. Existing projects include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway initiatives, and mountain tunnelling. Swiss companies operating in India number approximately 350, working through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures, according to Swiss government data.
Defense, Energy, and Global Affairs Discussed
The leaders also explored broader cooperation in military exchanges and defence manufacturing, although these topics did not result in formal agreements. They agreed to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy and continued discussions on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. Both governments also discussed research cooperation and the importance of responsible, inclusive artificial intelligence development. These conversations complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their meeting, Modi and Parmelin also reviewed issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, international institutions, and global governance. India expressed support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reform of international organizations. Parmelin traveled with representatives from the business and scientific communities and will participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event aims to bring together government officials and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.