India and Switzerland have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, mobility, infrastructure, defence, science, technology and innovation. The latest bilateral talks also gave a push to the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and wider economic cooperation.
 

India-Switzerland Relations: Five Agreements to

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held bilateral talks in New Delhi. The two countries signed five agreements to expand cooperation in multiple sectors. President Parmelin is on a three-day state visit to India accompanied by senior officials and business leaders.

Five Agreements Signed

The agreements cover key areas of bilateral cooperation:

  1. Migration and Mobility Partnership: Facilitates mobility and cooperation related to migration.
  2. Exchange of Young Professionals: Promotes professional and cultural exposure for young people from both countries.
  3. Transportation Technologies, Mobility Systems and Infrastructure: Promotes cooperation in identified areas of transport and infrastructure.
  4. Science and Technology Cooperation: A Letter of Intent was signed between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
  5. Innovation, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship: An implementation arrangement will support cooperation in innovation and technology-based entrepreneurship.

Trade and Investment Cooperation

India and Switzerland are working to improve market access, investment flows and supply-chain cooperation. India is seeking greater access for its exports, while Switzerland is an important source of investment and technology.

Key areas include:

  • Greater exports of Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods to Switzerland.
  • New Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.
  • Cooperation to develop trusted supply chains and reliable solutions for global markets.

India–EFTA TEPA

The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has strengthened India's economic engagement with the European economic bloc. EFTA comprises Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
India aims to attract:

  • US$100 billion in investment over 15 years.
  • 10 lakh direct jobs during the same period.

The agreement is important for expanding trade, investment, innovation and employment between India and EFTA countries.

Infrastructure and Mobility

The two countries are expanding cooperation in transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure. Swiss expertise can support projects involving:

  • Railways and tunnelling
  • Urban mobility
  • Transport technologies
  • Large infrastructure projects

Swiss companies have already been involved in infrastructure-related projects in India, including the Varanasi ropeway and Jewar Airport, Noida.

Defence and Nuclear Energy

India and Switzerland have identified new areas for cooperation in military exchanges and defence production. Both sides have also agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. This broadens the relationship beyond trade and investment and creates scope for greater cooperation in strategic and advanced technologies.

Science, Technology and Innovation

Science and technology are emerging as important areas of India–Switzerland cooperation. The new arrangements are expected to strengthen links between research institutions, businesses and innovators. The two countries are promoting collaboration in:

  • Research and development
  • Innovation
  • Technology transfer
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Clean energy
  • Health
  • Space

Migration and Young Professionals

The Migration and Mobility Partnership aims to facilitate smoother movement between the two countries. The Young Professionals Exchange Programme provides opportunities for young Indians and Swiss citizens to gain professional experience and international exposure.

Historical and People-to-People Relations

India and Switzerland have maintained long-standing cultural and people-to-people links. Swami Vivekananda visited Switzerland in the 19th century and was inspired by the Swiss Alps. Mahatma Gandhi also spent time in Switzerland and interacted with its people. These historical connections continue to contribute to the broader relationship between the two countries.

Significance for India

The growing India-Switzerland partnership can help India:

  • Expand access to European markets.
  • Attract foreign investment and advanced technology.
  • Strengthen global supply chains.
  • Create opportunities for employment and innovation.
  • Improve cooperation in infrastructure and mobility.
  • Develop stronger partnerships in defence, nuclear energy and science.

Conclusion

The five new agreements and the implementation of India–EFTA TEPA provide a wider framework for strengthening this relationship. India–Switzerland relations are moving beyond traditional economic cooperation towards a broader partnership covering trade, investment, mobility, infrastructure, defence, science, technology and innovation.