NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – The Government of India announced the signing of five cooperation agreements and arrangements following discussions in New Delhi on October 5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations during Parmelin’s three-day state visit. These accords encompass migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also examined issues related to trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin’s visit marks his first state visit to India and his second trip to the country in 2026.
The migration partnership facilitates multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with visits lasting as long as six months. It also introduces renewable one-year permits for students. A dedicated Young Professionals Scheme will initially admit 300 participants from each nation annually, with the potential to increase the quota to 500 later. This program offers young professionals temporary employment opportunities to enhance their career and language skills. Additionally, the migration framework addresses concerns such as irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave the country.
An agreement concerning transport and infrastructure expands cooperation in areas including electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy initiatives. The Indian Department of Science and Technology also signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Furthermore, a partnership links the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program. This initiative aims to promote innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. Both nations also announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative, focusing on sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade Agreement Bolsters Economic Relations
The discussions occurred just after the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement coming into effect. The pact, which began on October 1, 2025, involves Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Its investment framework aims to generate $100 billion in investments in 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 the Swiss government describing those talks as advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to improve Swiss market access for Indian farm products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also emphasized Swiss investment opportunities in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India extended an invitation for increased Swiss involvement in infrastructure design, manufacturing, and skills development. Existing collaborations include projects such as the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway developments, and mountain tunneling. According to Swiss government data, approximately 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Defense, Energy, and Global Affairs Discussed
The leaders also explored broader issues including military cooperation and defence production, although these topics were not part of the five agreements signed. They agreed to strengthen collaboration in nuclear energy and continue dialogue 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 collaboration and approaches to responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. These discussions complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
Additionally, Modi and Parmelin addressed global issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and international governance. India stated that both countries support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with representatives from business and science sectors and will attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. This event will bring together government officials and industry leaders to discuss investment and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.