NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India and Switzerland announced agreements on migration, professional exchanges, transport and research Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.
The leaders discussed expanding trade and investment, defense production, nuclear energy and technology cooperation. Their talks at Hyderabad House also covered opportunities for students and professionals, according to the prime minister’s office.
The visit marks the first anniversary of the India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect in October last year.
The pact covers Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It aims to attract one hundred billion dollars in investment into India over fifteen years and facilitate the creation of one million direct jobs. Those targets apply to the EFTA countries collectively.
The Swiss government said the two countries concluded a Migration and Mobility Partnership and an agreement on exchanges for young professionals. The measures seek to strengthen cooperation in education, science and employment while supporting legal mobility.
India also announced cooperation instruments covering transport infrastructure, scientific research and startup development. These include collaboration between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Modi said the countries would launch joint research projects in health, clean energy and space. The leaders also discussed artificial intelligence and opportunities to expand military exchanges and defense manufacturing.
Parmelin called for an investment protection agreement to support businesses operating in both countries. Switzerland is India’s largest trade and investment partner within EFTA, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
During his visit, Parmelin also met President Droupadi Murmu, who hosted a banquet in his honor. He is scheduled to participate in the India–EFTA Prosperity Summit on Wednesday, where officials and business representatives will discuss implementing the trade agreement.
