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 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 visit to the country and his second visit overall this year.
One of the accords establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership that provides for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit permits a stay of up to six months, while student permits are renewable annually. Another agreement introduces a Young Professionals Scheme, offering 300 participants from each nation the opportunity to engage annually. The quota can increase to 500, and the program facilitates temporary employment to develop professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses measures against irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
In addition, India and Switzerland signed an agreement concerning 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. An additional agreement involves Zurich University of Applied Sciences, which supports innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program.
Trade Agreement Drives Broader Economic Goals
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The agreement aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over a 15-year period and create one million direct jobs. Both parties confirmed 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 expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also emphasized potential Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India invited Swiss companies to enhance their presence in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced Collaboration in Defense, Research, and Strategic Sectors
The leaders identified avenues for increased military exchanges and defense manufacturing, while also agreeing to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. India announced that new joint research projects will focus on health, clean energy, and space. The two governments also revealed the launch of the 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 Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral organizations, and global governance. India affirmed that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international institutions. Parmelin, accompanied by a delegation of business and scientific representatives, is scheduled to participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. This summit will convene government and business leaders to explore investment and cooperation opportunities under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.