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. The accords encompass migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. Leaders also examined cooperation in trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is on his first state visit to India, a three-day trip, and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership, allowing multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with each visit lasting as long as six months, and student permits renewable annually. Another pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each country annually, with potential expansion to 500, enabling temporary work to enhance professional and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Additionally, India and Switzerland signed an agreement focusing on 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. Another partnership involves Zurich University of Applied Sciences, supporting innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade Agreement Strengthens Broader Economic Goals
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 aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs, with both sides confirming that implementation is on track. Switzerland also noted progress in negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement.
Modi highlighted efforts to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods, while also pointing out opportunities for Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India invited Swiss companies to increase involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunnelling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced Mobility, Research, and Strategic Ties
The leaders explored prospects for expanded military exchanges and defense production, alongside agreements to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but not included in the five signed agreements. India announced new joint research initiatives in health, clean energy, and space, as well as the launch of the Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to foster scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was also a focus, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit in 2027.
Discussions between Modi and Parmelin also covered Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral organizations, and global governance. Both nations expressed support for dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international institutions. Parmelin, accompanied by a business and scientific delegation, is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, where government and business leaders will discuss investment and cooperation under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.