PM Modi, Swiss President Deepen Strategic Ties
India and Switzerland expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, defence, science, mobility and global peace
- India-Switzerland cooperation expands across trade, investment and technology.
- New agreements cover transport, mobility and infrastructure.
- Defence production, nuclear energy and joint research gain focus.
- India and Switzerland reaffirm commitment to global peace and institutional reform.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the President of Switzerland to India and said the two countries were moving towards a new phase of cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, infrastructure, advanced technology and people-to-people ties.
Highlighting the importance of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, PM Modi said the agreement, which came into force with the support of the Swiss leadership, aims to attract $100 billion in investment into India over the next 15 years and create 1 million direct jobs.
PM Modi said the partnership would help increase Indian exports of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods to Switzerland while encouraging Swiss investment in sectors including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.
He also highlighted cooperation in infrastructure, pointing to projects such as the Varanasi ropeway, Jewar Airport and railway and tunnelling projects in hilly regions. A new agreement on transport, mobility and infrastructure was also discussed, with the Prime Minister inviting Swiss infrastructure companies to expand their investment and participation in India.
On defence and strategic cooperation, PM Modi said the two sides had identified new possibilities for military exchanges and defence production and had also agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy.
Science and technology emerged as another key pillar of the partnership. India and Switzerland are expected to launch new joint research projects in areas including health, clean energy and space. PM Modi also welcomed an agreement with the University of Zurich aimed at capacity building for Indian science start-ups.
The two countries also discussed cooperation in yoga and Ayurveda, as well as a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and a Young Professionals Agreement intended to create greater opportunities for Indian students, researchers, professionals and young people in Switzerland.
On international issues, PM Modi said India and Switzerland share democratic values and faith in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. He reiterated India’s support for meaningful efforts towards peace in Ukraine and West Asia, while stressing the need for reforms in global institutions to address emerging global challenges.
The Swiss President is also scheduled to participate in the India-EFTA Business Leaders’ Prosperity Summit on October 7, which PM Modi described as an important platform for translating trade and investment commitments into concrete outcomes.
PM Modi further congratulated Switzerland ahead of the Geneva AI Summit, saying India and Switzerland should work together to promote artificial intelligence that is responsible, inclusive and human-centric.
