NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, India and Switzerland formalized five cooperation agreements during high-level discussions in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin led the negotiations. The agreements focus on migration, young professionals, transport infrastructure, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. They also addressed trade, investment, defense, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence collaboration. Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India, his first to the country and his second visit this year.
One of the agreements establishes a Migration and Mobility Partnership allowing multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Visitors can stay for a maximum of six months per visit, and student permits can be renewed annually. Another pact creates a Young Professionals Scheme for 300 participants from each nation annually. The quota could increase to 500, with the program enabling temporary work to enhance skills and language abilities. The migration framework also includes measures against irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking.
India and Switzerland also signed an agreement on transport technologies, mobility systems, and infrastructure. It encompasses electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy initiatives, and other transport sectors. A separate Letter of Intent links India’s Department of Science and Technology with the Swiss National Science Foundation. Additionally, Zurich University of Applied Sciences is involved through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program, which promotes innovation, technology transfer, and support for early-stage startups.
Trade agreement supports broader economic objectives
The discussions coincided with 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 deal aims to mobilize $100 billion in investment in India over 15 years and create one million direct jobs. Both parties confirmed that implementation is on track. Switzerland also reported progress on negotiations for a new bilateral investment protection agreement.
Modi highlighted steps taken to expand Swiss market access for Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. He also pointed out opportunities for Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability. India invited Swiss firms to increase their involvement in infrastructure projects, including capacity building, design, and manufacturing. Current collaborations include the Varanasi ropeway, Noida International Airport, railway projects, and tunneling work in mountainous regions.
Enhanced cooperation in defense, research, and strategic areas
The leaders identified new opportunities for military exchanges and defense manufacturing. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy. These topics were discussed but are not part of the five agreements signed. India announced plans for joint research projects in health, clean energy, and space. The two governments revealed an upcoming Indo-Swiss Research Flagship initiative to promote scientific collaboration. Artificial intelligence was also discussed, including preparations for Switzerland’s Geneva AI Summit in 2027.
Modi and Parmelin also addressed issues concerning Ukraine, West Asia, multilateral institutions, and global governance. India stated that both nations support dialogue, diplomacy, and reforms within international organizations. Parmelin traveled with a delegation of business and scientific leaders and is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event will gather government and business representatives to discuss investment opportunities under the trade agreement. His itinerary also includes a visit to Noida International Airport, operated by a Zurich Airport subsidiary.