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PM Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin strengthen India-Switzerland ties as multiple agreements are signed on mobility, technology and innovation. (Images: X)
New Delhi: India and Switzerland have taken steps to deepen their bilateral partnership across trade, migration, transportation, science, technology and innovation with several agreements and cooperation arrangements signed during the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin.
The discussions covered the growing economic relationship between the two countries with trade remaining a key area of engagement. The Swiss side also highlighted the first anniversary of the implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association.
The Swiss leadership highlighted the mutual benefits emerging from the trade partnership between India and EFTA. India stands to gain from increased capital flows, technology transfers and improved access to international markets, particularly for high-value-added goods. Switzerland meanwhile sees India as an important and rapidly growing economic partner at a time when global trade faces increasing uncertainty. A senior Swiss economic delegation accompanied the visit, reflecting Switzerland’s interest in expanding business opportunities created by the agreement. Switzerland is also looking to advance discussions on an investment protection agreement to provide a stronger framework for future investments. Progress on intellectual property protection was also identified as an important component of the broader economic relationship.
Migration and mobility emerged as another important area of India-Switzerland cooperation. During the bilateral meeting, the two sides signed an agreement related to a Migration and Mobility Partnership. The pact is aimed at strengthening structured cooperation between the two countries on migration-related matters. An agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals was also signed, providing another institutional framework for mobility and professional exchanges between India and Switzerland.
The agreements are expected to add greater depth to people-to-people and professional connections between the two countries.
A separate memorandum of understanding was signed for the promotion and collaboration of transportation technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure in identified areas. The agreement brings together Switzerland’s expertise in transport technology with India’s large-scale infrastructure and mobility requirements. The cooperation involves Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research and India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Science, technology and innovation also featured prominently in the agreements announced during the visit. A Letter of Intent was issued between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation. The two sides also advanced cooperation with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in areas including innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. An implementation arrangement between the Department of Science and Technology and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences is expected to provide a framework for greater collaboration in these fields.
The focus on technology transfer and entrepreneurship reflects the growing effort to connect research, innovation and commercial opportunities between India and Switzerland.
The talks also covered major international developments, including conflicts around the world and the war in Ukraine. The two sides discussed the United Nations and the importance of multilateralism along with the role of Geneva as a major centre for international diplomacy. The discussions underline the wider scope of India-Switzerland relations, which now extend beyond economic cooperation to include mobility, emerging technologies, innovation and global diplomatic issues.
With new agreements covering multiple sectors, both countries are seeking to build on their existing partnership and create additional opportunities for businesses, professionals, researchers and innovators.
