NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – The Indian government announced the signing of five new cooperation agreements with Switzerland on Monday, during high-level discussions held in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations. The accords encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. Additionally, the leaders evaluated cooperation in trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is on a three-day official visit to India, marking his first state visit to the country and his second trip this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership that grants multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last as long as six months, with student permits renewable annually. Another pact introduces a Young Professionals Scheme, allowing 300 participants from each nation annually, with potential to increase to 500. This program facilitates temporary employment to enhance professional expertise and language skills. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Further, India and Switzerland formalized a transport cooperation agreement that covers technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure projects, including electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transport 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, supporting innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade agreement underpins broader economic ambitions
These 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 a 15-year period and create one million direct jobs. Both parties reported that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted that India and Switzerland have taken measures to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out opportunities for Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. India has invited Swiss firms to increase involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include projects like the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway developments, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Enhanced cooperation in mobility, research, and strategic sectors
The leaders identified potential for expanded military exchanges and defense manufacturing, while also agreeing to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not covered by the five agreements signed. India announced that new joint research initiatives will focus on health, clean energy, and space exploration. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative aimed at fostering scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in the discussions, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Additionally, Modi and Parmelin addressed issues related to Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India emphasized that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reform efforts within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with a delegation of business and scientific leaders and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will gather government officials and industry representatives 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.