NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level discussions in New Delhi on Monday, India and Switzerland formalized five new cooperation agreements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations. The 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 on a three-day state visit to India, marking his first official visit to the country and his second trip this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, offering multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, and student permits are renewable annually. An additional accord creates a Young Professionals Scheme for 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 abilities. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Furthermore, India and Switzerland signed an arrangement concerning transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure, covering electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy projects, 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 collaboration involves Zurich University of Applied Sciences, which supports innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade agreement underpins broader economic strategy
The discussions coincided with the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which officially came 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 create one million direct jobs. Both parties reported that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also noted that negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to expand Swiss market access for Indian exports, including agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability initiatives. India extended an invitation to Swiss companies to increase involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Current collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced collaboration in mobility, research, and strategic areas
The leaders recognized possibilities for expanding military exchanges and defence 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 new joint research initiatives focusing on health, clean energy, and space. An inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship programme was also announced to promote scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was a key topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Modi and Parmelin also exchanged views on Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms to improve global institutions. Parmelin, accompanied by a business and scientific delegation, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, which will gather government and business representatives 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.