NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On October 5 in New Delhi, India and Switzerland formalized five new collaboration agreements following discussions led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin during his three-day official visit. The accords encompass areas such as migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. Additionally, both leaders examined trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. This visit marks Parmelin’s 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, allowing visits of up to six months. It also introduces renewable one-year permits for students. 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 programme offers young professionals temporary employment opportunities to enhance their careers and language skills. The migration framework further addresses issues related to irregular migration, human trafficking, document fraud, and the readmission of nationals required to leave the country.
An agreement on transport and infrastructure promotes collaboration on electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and circular economy initiatives. India’s Department of Science and Technology also signed a research Letter of Intent with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Another arrangement establishes a link between the department and Zurich University of Applied Sciences through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme, which supports innovation, technology transfer, and science-based startups. The two nations also announced an Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative focusing on sectors such as health, clean energy, and space.
Trade agreement bolsters broader economic collaboration
The discussions occurred shortly after 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 framework aims to attract $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Switzerland stated that its implementation remains on schedule. Negotiations are also underway for a new bilateral investment protection agreement, with the Swiss government describing those talks as advanced.
Modi highlighted efforts to enhance Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out Swiss investment prospects in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India has extended invitations for Swiss involvement in infrastructure development, manufacturing, and skills training. Existing collaborations include projects such as the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway initiatives, and mountain tunnelling. According to Swiss government data, approximately 350 Swiss companies operate in India through subsidiaries, branches, and joint ventures.
Defense, energy, and global issues discussed during the talks
The leaders also touched upon broader topics like military cooperation and defence manufacturing, although these areas did not result in formal agreements. They agreed to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy and continue discussions on artificial intelligence, with Switzerland planning to host the Geneva AI Summit in spring 2027—following India’s 2026 AI conference. The dialogue also covered research cooperation and responsible, inclusive approaches to AI development. These conversations complemented the new accords on mobility, science, transport, and innovation.
Modi and Parmelin additionally exchanged views on Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India emphasized that both countries support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with representatives from business and science sectors and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, which will gather government and industry stakeholders 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.