New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received H.E. Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, as the two leaders held substantive discussions on strengthening the multifaceted India–Switzerland partnership.
President Parmelin is on a State Visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation. His visit comes at an important juncture in bilateral relations, with both countries looking to expand cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, education and mobility.
Advancing the India–Switzerland Partnership
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi and President Parmelin reviewed the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation and explored new opportunities to deepen economic and technological engagement.
Trade and investment featured prominently in the talks, particularly in the context of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Both sides highlighted the opportunities created by the agreement and the growing interest of Swiss companies in the Indian market.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the potential for greater Swiss investment in sectors including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability, while India’s exports of agricultural, pharmaceutical, textile and engineering products are expected to benefit from enhanced market access.
Agreements to Strengthen Mobility and Talent
A key outcome of the visit was the conclusion of agreements aimed at strengthening people-to-people links and professional mobility between the two countries.
India and Switzerland concluded a Migration and Mobility Partnership, providing a framework for cooperation on migration, education, science and labour mobility, while also addressing areas such as combating irregular migration and human trafficking.
The two countries also concluded an agreement facilitating training exchanges for young professionals, creating opportunities for young people from India and Switzerland to undertake professional training placements in each other’s countries and gain valuable professional and language experience.
Focus on Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation
The discussions also underlined the importance of cooperation in science, research, technology and innovation. Both sides expressed interest in expanding collaboration in these areas, including technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
Infrastructure and transportation technologies also emerged as areas for enhanced cooperation, reflecting the potential for Indian and Swiss expertise to work together on sustainable infrastructure and advanced mobility solutions.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Guy Parmelin reinforces the depth and breadth of India–Switzerland relations. From trade and investment to technology, talent, research and mobility, the partnership is entering a phase focused on translating shared opportunities into tangible outcomes.
With the implementation of the India–EFTA TEPA providing a new economic foundation, both countries are seeking to build a stronger ecosystem for investment, innovation and mutual prosperity.
President Parmelin’s State Visit therefore marks another important milestone in the longstanding India–Switzerland relationship, reaffirming the commitment of both sides to deepen cooperation and expand new avenues of partnership.