India and Switzerland inked five bilateral agreements in New Delhi following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin. The agreements cover migration, transportation technologies, scientific research, and innovation, coming as Swiss President Parmelin undertakes a three-day state visit to India accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior officials and business leaders.
Five New Bilateral Agreements Signed in New Delhi
The newly signed pacts focus on a Migration and Mobility Partnership, an Exchange of Young Professionals, and cooperation on transportation technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure. The Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation signed a Letter of Intent, paired with an implementation arrangement for collaboration in innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship.
Prime Minister Modi noted during a joint press meet that India implemented the historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries last October. According to the Prime Minister, the framework marks India’s first Free Trade Agreement with a European economic bloc, aiming to attract 100 billion US dollars in investment and create 10 lakh direct jobs over the next 15 years.
Trade Expansion and Defense Cooperation Goals
Both leaders discussed expanding market access for Indian exports—including agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods—while attracting Swiss investments into biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability sectors. Prime Minister Modi stated that the two nations will work to develop trusted supply chains, alongside identifying new possibilities for cooperation in military exchanges, defence production, and nuclear energy.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also called on President Parmelin to discuss broader engagement across multiple domains, building on the promise of the India–EFTA TEPA. President Parmelin additionally met with Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta at the airport, received a tri-services guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
Did You Know? Prime Minister Modi highlighted that historical ties between India and Switzerland span centuries, noting that Swami Vivekananda saw a glimpse of the Himalayas in the Swiss Alps during the 19th century, while Mahatma Gandhi also spent time in Switzerland interacting with its people.
Geopolitical Alignment and Multilateral Diplomacy
According to ANI News, President Parmelin confirmed during the joint press briefing that broad-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi covered pressing geopolitical crises, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as UN multilateral reforms. The Swiss leader framed the diplomatic convergence as a stabilizing force amid international conflict and economic volatility, positioning Geneva as a neutral platform for dialogue.
President Parmelin is scheduled to tour the Noida International Airport on Oct 6 to inspect facilities built by a company from his own country. Developed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd—a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG—the airport began commercial passenger operations on June 15, with cargo operations starting on June 17.
President Parmelin meets President Murmu for banquet
President Parmelin is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in honor of her Swiss counterpart.
Answers to common questions about the visit
What agreements were signed during the visit?
India and Switzerland signed five agreements covering a Migration and Mobility Partnership, an Exchange of Young Professionals, transportation technologies and infrastructure, a science research Letter of Intent, and a technology transfer implementation arrangement.
Who welcomed the Swiss President upon his arrival in New Delhi?
President Parmelin was received at the airport by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, and later accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What infrastructure facility is the Swiss President scheduled to inspect?
President Parmelin is scheduled to tour the Noida International Airport on Oct 6 to inspect facilities built by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
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