Switzerland and India strengthen ties in a range of policy areas during presidential visit

Switzerland and India will celebrate the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2028, and are now more closely linked than ever before. This is the context in which Mr Parmelin was invited to pay a state visit to New Delhi. Since the visit marks the first anniversary of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), one of the key topics he discussed with Mr Modi was trade policy.

Both sides affirmed that TEPA sends out a strong and positive signal at a time of global uncertainty, and that the implementation of the agreement is proceeding according to plan. Mr Parmelin emphasised the keen interest shown by Swiss companies in the Indian market. He and Mr Modi also discussed the now advanced negotiations on a new bilateral investment protection agreement and the talks being held on the protection of intellectual property. Cooperation in the field of science was also addressed, Mr Parmelin emphasising that he would welcome an expansion in the Swiss–Indian partnership in this area as well.

Migration, mobility and training exchanges for young professionals

Both sides also welcomed the conclusion of two agreements, one on migration and one on training exchanges for young professionals, negotiated by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The Migration and Mobility Partnership agreement formalises the already close cooperation on migration between Switzerland and India, fosters exchange in the fields of education, science and labour, and allows legal mobility pathways. It also covers the readmission of nationals required to leave the country and cooperation in combating irregular migration, human trafficking and document forgery. The exchange agreement enables young persons from either country to undertake training placements in the other, thereby fostering their professional and language skills.

AI summit, democracy and multilateralism

Mr Parmelin and Mr Modi also discussed international affairs, with a focus on developments in artificial intelligence. Switzerland regards the AI summit to be held in Geneva in spring 2027 as a follow-on to that held by India this year, Mr Parmelin explained. He highlighted India’s position as the world’s most populous democracy in the global debate and emphasised the value of civil society, science and a free press in building democratic resilience. The discussion also touched on geopolitics, the UN and multilateralism, and the role of International Geneva as the largest platform for multilateral diplomacy.

Mr Parmelin is accompanied by a high-level business and scientific delegation on his trip to India, during which he will also meet representatives from various sectors of the economy and visit Noida International Airport, which is operated by a subsidiary of Zurich Airport. There are also plans for a high-level event to promote scientific cooperation. To round off the trip, the second India‒EFTA Prosperity Summit will take place on Wednesday 7 October. The meeting brings together representatives from government and the business community to discuss new investment and cooperation opportunities.

For enquiries regarding the Migration and Mobility Partnership and the exchange agreement for young professionals: SEM Communication, medien@sem.admin.ch

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland–India