NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – India and Switzerland signed five cooperation instruments on Monday during high-level talks in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the discussions. The package covers migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation and technology transfer. The leaders also reviewed trade, investment, defence, nuclear energy and artificial intelligence cooperation. Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India, his first state visit to the country and his second visit this year.
One pact creates a Migration and Mobility Partnership with multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Each visit can last up to six months, while student permits can be renewed annually. Another agreement sets up a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each country every year. The quota can rise to 500, and the programme allows temporary work to build professional and language skills. The migration framework also covers action against irregular migration, human exploitation and trafficking.
India and Switzerland also signed an agreement on transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure. It covers electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy projects and other transport sectors. A separate Letter of Intent links India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Another arrangement involves Zurich University of Applied Sciences. It supports innovation, technology transfer and early-stage startups through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training programme.
Trade pact anchors broader economic agenda
The talks followed the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. The pact took effect on October 1, 2025. EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The agreement sets shared objectives to mobilise $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and support one million direct jobs. Both sides said implementation was proceeding as planned. Switzerland also said negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement were advanced.
Modi said the two countries had taken steps to widen Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods. He also cited opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability. India invited Swiss companies to expand work in infrastructure, including capacity building, design and manufacturing. Existing cooperation includes the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects and tunnelling in mountainous areas.
Mobility, research and strategic cooperation expand
The leaders identified opportunities for wider military exchanges and defence production, while agreeing to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. These areas were discussed but were not part of the five signed instruments. India also said new joint research projects would cover health, clean energy and space. The two governments announced an inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to support scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence also featured in the talks, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit in 2027.
Modi and Parmelin also discussed Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions and global governance. India said both countries support dialogue, diplomacy and reforms to global institutions. Parmelin travelled with a business and scientific delegation and is due to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will bring together government and business representatives to discuss investment and cooperation under the trade agreement. His schedule also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.