NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During high-level talks 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 migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The leaders also discussed cooperation in trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. Parmelin is in India on a three-day state visit, his first to the country and his second visit 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 be extended to six months, and student permits are renewable annually. Another accord introduces a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each nation annually, with the possibility to increase the quota to 500. The program aims to facilitate temporary work opportunities to develop professional skills and language proficiency. The migration framework also addresses issues related to irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
Additional agreements include a transport technology and infrastructure pact, which covers electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transportation sectors. A separate Letter of Intent connects India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Furthermore, an arrangement with Zurich University of Applied Sciences supports innovation, technology transfer, and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program.
Trade Agreement Supports 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 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 confirmed that implementation is progressing as scheduled. Switzerland also indicated that negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement are well advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to increase Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also emphasized potential Swiss investments in biotech, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability initiatives. India encouraged Swiss companies to expand in infrastructure, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Existing collaborations include projects like the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway developments, and tunneling in mountainous regions.
Expanded Cooperation in Defense, Research, and Strategic Areas
Both leaders identified prospects for broader military exchanges and defense manufacturing, while agreeing to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not part of the five signed agreements. India announced that new joint research initiatives will focus on health, clean energy, and space. The two governments unveiled the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to bolster scientific cooperation. Artificial intelligence was also a key topic, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit scheduled for 2027.
Discussions also covered Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India affirmed that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms in global institutions. Parmelin arrived with a delegation of business and scientific representatives and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will gather government 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.