NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized their partnership by signing five agreements and arrangements following high-level discussions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the talks during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. The accords encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The 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 partnership provides for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with visits of up to six months. It also offers renewable one-year permits for students. An initial Young Professionals Scheme will admit 300 participants from each country annually, with the potential to increase the quota to 500 later. This program grants young professionals temporary employment opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave the country.
A new agreement on transport and infrastructure promotes collaboration on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy practices. Additionally, India’s Department of Science and Technology signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Another partnership links the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences via the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme, which aims to foster innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. Furthermore, both nations announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative focusing on sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade agreement underpins stronger economic collaboration
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. Its investment strategy aims to attract $100 billion into India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Switzerland confirmed that the implementation remains on schedule. Negotiations are also underway for a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with Swiss officials describing those talks as advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to enhance Swiss market access for Indian exports such as farm goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering products. He also pointed out Swiss investment prospects in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India encouraged Swiss involvement in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and skills development. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and mountain tunnelling. According to Swiss government data, around 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Defense, energy, and global issues discussed during meetings
While the leaders explored broader military exchanges and defence production, these topics were not part of the five agreements signed. They agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy and continue discussions on artificial intelligence. Switzerland is planning to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. Both governments also discussed research collaboration and responsible, inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence, alongside agreements related to mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their talks, Modi and Parmelin also addressed issues concerning Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reform of international organizations. Parmelin, accompanied by business and scientific representatives, will attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event aims to bring together 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.