India and Switzerland are set to deepen their strategic partnership across trade, investment, infrastructure, defence, technology and people-to-people ties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the relationship as one entering a “new speed and new height.”
Welcoming Guy Parmelin, the President of Switzerland, PM Modi highlighted the Swiss leadership’s commitment to bilateral relations and recalled the successful implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
India-EFTA Deal Targets $100 Billion Investment and 1 Million Jobs
PM Modi said the EFTA agreement represents a historic milestone for India, describing it as the country’s first free trade agreement with a European economic bloc.
The pact is expected to create an ambitious framework for investment, innovation, employment and shared prosperity. India is targeting around $100 billion in investment over the next 15 years, along with the creation of one million direct jobs.
According to Modi, the partnership can significantly expand economic opportunities between India and Switzerland while strengthening commercial links with the wider EFTA region.
Agriculture, Pharma and Engineering Exports in Focus
India and Switzerland have also taken steps to improve market access for Indian exports and facilitate greater investment between the two countries.
PM Modi said the measures could help increase Indian exports of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods to Switzerland.
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At the same time, India is seeking greater Swiss investment in sectors including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.
The Prime Minister said stronger cooperation could help both countries build trusted supply chains and develop reliable solutions for global markets.
Defence, Nuclear Energy and Infrastructure Cooperation Expands
Defence cooperation is emerging as another important area of bilateral engagement. Modi said the two sides identified new opportunities for military exchanges and defence production.
India and Switzerland also agreed to explore deeper cooperation in nuclear energy, adding another strategic dimension to their partnership.
Infrastructure is another major pillar. Modi pointed to projects such as the Varanasi ropeway, Jewar Airport and railway and tunnelling projects in mountainous regions as examples of cooperation.
A new agreement covering transport, mobility and infrastructure is expected to strengthen this collaboration further.
Modi invited Swiss infrastructure companies to expand their participation in India, particularly in investment, capacity building, design and manufacturing.
Science, Technology and AI Become Key Partnership Areas
Science and technology are also being placed at the centre of the India-Switzerland relationship.
Modi announced that the two countries are preparing to launch new joint research projects in priority areas such as health, clean energy and space.
India also welcomed an agreement with a Zurich-based university aimed at strengthening the capacity of Indian science startups.
Artificial intelligence was another key theme. Modi noted that India hosted a major global AI summit earlier this year, while Switzerland is scheduled to carry the momentum forward through the Geneva AI Summit next year.
He expressed confidence that India and Switzerland would work together to promote AI that is responsible, inclusive and human-centric.
Yoga and Ayurveda Add a New Dimension
The growing popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda in Switzerland was also highlighted during the discussions.
The two sides held talks on strengthening cooperation in these fields, reflecting the expanding cultural and wellness links between the countries.
Modi said people-to-people connections remain one of the strongest foundations of India-Switzerland relations.
A new Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and a Young Professionals Agreement are expected to create additional opportunities for Indian students, researchers, professionals and young people in Switzerland.
The agreements are aimed at facilitating greater mobility and strengthening academic, professional and social connections between the two nations.
India and Switzerland Back Peace and Global Institutional Reform
Modi also underlined the shared commitment of India and Switzerland to democratic values, the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy.
He said the two countries would continue working together for global peace and stability, including on challenges arising from the Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.
India, Modi reiterated, supports every meaningful effort aimed at advancing peace.
The two sides also agreed on the need for reforms in global institutions to address the growing challenges confronting the international community.
India-EFTA Prosperity Summit to Focus on Business Outcomes
Modi welcomed the Swiss President’s visit alongside a large business delegation and announced the upcoming India-EFTA Business Leaders’ Prosperity Summit.
Scheduled for October 7, the summit is expected to bring business leaders together to translate the growing trade and investment relationship into concrete outcomes.
Modi said the meeting would provide an important platform for advancing the economic potential of the India-EFTA partnership.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Swiss President for his visit and for his strong support for closer India-Switzerland relations.
The latest agreements and initiatives signal a broadening partnership that now extends well beyond traditional economic cooperation, encompassing investment, infrastructure, defence, science, AI, mobility, sustainability and global peace.
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