India and Switzerland have signed two agreements to improve professional mobility between the two countries. They also agreed to expand access for Indian exports in the Swiss market. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin discussed several areas of cooperation. These included trade, defence, nuclear energy, infrastructure and advanced technology. Parmelin arrived in India with a high-level business delegation. His visit came as India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) marked the first anniversary of their Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). EFTA includes Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Modi called TEPA an ambitious plan for investment, innovation and jobs. The agreement aims to bring $100 billion in investment to India over 15 years. It also targets the creation of one million jobs. “We have taken several important decisions to expand market access for Indian exports to Switzerland and further facilitate investment between the two countries,” Modi said during a joint media interaction with Parmelin. The new measures will support Indian exports of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods. They will also encourage Swiss investment in India. Key areas include biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.

India and Switzerland Sign Mobility Agreements

India and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on migration and mobility. The agreement will improve cooperation in this area. It will follow “under equal treatment principles”. The two countries will also work together to prevent irregular migration and human trafficking. The agreement provides multiple-entry visas for up to five years. Visitors can stay for up to six months during each visit. It also provides renewable one-year permits for students. India and Switzerland signed another agreement for young professionals. The programme will allow young workers to take temporary jobs in each other's countries. They can gain professional experience and improve their language skills. Each country will initially send 300 people every year. The number could later increase to 500. Authorities will get 30 to 90 days to verify nationality and residency details.

India and Switzerland Expand Defence and Nuclear Cooperation

Modi said innovation, infrastructure and advanced technology form key pillars of the bilateral relationship. He said the new initiatives would help both countries build trusted supply chains. They would also support the development of reliable solutions. “Today, we identified new possibilities for cooperation in military exchanges and defence production. We also agreed to further deepen cooperation in nuclear energy,” Modi said. Parmelin described the partnership as mutually beneficial. He said India would gain better access to Swiss capital and technology. India would also get easier access to markets for high-value products. Switzerland would benefit from stronger trade with India. Parmelin described India as a major partner with sustained economic growth. He said global trade has become more uncertain and exposed to new risks.

Switzerland Seeks Investment Protection Agreement

Parmelin stressed the need to complete an investment protection agreement quickly. He said the agreement would help boost investment between the two countries. “In this context, it is equally important to achieve results in discussions on the protection of intellectual property,” he said. Modi invited Swiss infrastructure companies to invest more in India. He urged them to support capacity building, design and manufacturing. India and Switzerland will also start new joint research projects. The projects will focus on areas such as healthcare, clean energy and space. The two countries also want to develop a fair and innovative model for AI governance. “We are living through very difficult times. It is all the more essential to create win-win situations at the international level,” Parmelin said.

Five Agreements Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

India and Switzerland signed three more agreements. One MoU covers transportation technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure. It will support cooperation in sustainable infrastructure, electric vehicles, ropeways and tunnels. The two sides also signed a letter of intent. It will promote long-term cooperation between Indian and Swiss research communities. Another implementation arrangement will support innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. These agreements will expand cooperation beyond trade. They will also create new opportunities in research, infrastructure and technology.

Modi and Parmelin Discuss Ukraine and West Asia

The two leaders also discussed international and regional issues. Their talks covered the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi said India and Switzerland support dialogue and diplomacy. He said both countries want to promote global peace and stability. “Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, India has supported every meaningful effort towards peace,” Modi said. Sibi George, secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said India and EFTA had agreed to create a special group. The group will discuss trade and investment issues. It will also work to remove existing barriers and constraints.

Switzerland Remains India's Biggest EFTA Trading Partner

Switzerland is India's largest trading partner within EFTA. It is also India's 15th-largest trading partner globally. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at around $25 billion. Around 340 Swiss companies operate in India. They have invested about $11 billion in the country. These companies work in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, precision engineering and advanced technology. The Indian community also strengthens ties between the two countries. Nearly 30,000 Indians live in Switzerland. They include students and professionals working in financial services, engineering, IT and pharmaceuticals. The latest agreements are expected to give fresh momentum to India-Switzerland relations. They will deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence, energy and professional mobility.