PM Modi and Swiss President Discuss Ties, Sign Key Agreements

PM Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin hold talks in New Delhi on trade, investment, technology, innovation, mobility and people-to-people ties, while reviewing progress under the India-EFTA partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held bilateral talks in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening India-Switzerland relations across trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, mobility and people-to-people ties.

The talks took place at Hyderabad House during Parmelin’s three-day state visit to India. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed opportunities to expand engagement across areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including cooperation through multilateral forums.

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Parmelin arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders. He received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi welcomed him. The Swiss President was also accorded a tri-services guard of honour.

Following the welcome, Parmelin paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He described the visit as an opportunity to underline the importance that Switzerland and India attach to their relationship, which he said is based on shared democratic values, trust and mutual respect.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met Parmelin ahead of his discussions with Modi. Jaishankar highlighted the potential of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to support deeper engagement between India and Switzerland.

The visit comes as India and EFTA prepare to mark the first anniversary of TEPA entering into force. The agreement between India and the four EFTA members-Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein-took effect on October 1, 2025. Parmelin is scheduled to participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. Switzerland is India’s largest trade and investment partner among the EFTA countries.

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The discussions also place emphasis on emerging areas such as critical technologies, innovation and mobility. Both countries have been seeking to broaden their longstanding partnership beyond traditional economic engagement, with technology and investment forming important components of the relationship.

During his visit, Parmelin is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour. The state visit is expected to provide further opportunities for India and Switzerland to deepen cooperation across economic, technological and other strategic areas.