NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5, in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized five cooperation agreements following bilateral talks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the discussions 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, defense, 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 permitted for up to six months. It also introduces renewable one-year permits for students. Additionally, a separate Young Professionals Scheme will initially admit 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility of increasing the quota to 500 later. This program provides young professionals with 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.
A transportation and infrastructure agreement fosters cooperation on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy applications. India’s Department of Science and Technology signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Another arrangement connects the department with Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme, which aims to support innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. Furthermore, the two nations announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative covering sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade Agreement Enhances Broader Economic Relations
The discussions took place shortly after 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 framework aims to attract $100 billion in investments in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Switzerland stated that implementation remains on schedule. Additionally, the two countries are negotiating a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with the Swiss government describing those talks as advanced.
Modi emphasized that progress has been made to improve Swiss market access for Indian farm goods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering products. He also highlighted Swiss investment prospects in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India extended an invitation for further Swiss involvement in infrastructure design, 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 Affairs Discussed
The leaders also explored broader military cooperation and defense production, although these topics were not among the five agreements signed. They agreed to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy and continue discussions on artificial intelligence. Switzerland plans to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027, following India’s 2026 AI meeting. Both governments also addressed research partnerships and responsible, inclusive approaches to artificial intelligence. These discussions complemented the new agreements on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
During their meeting, Modi and Parmelin also considered issues such as Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India noted that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with representatives from the business and scientific communities and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event will unite 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.