Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a joint press statement alongside the President of Switzerland in New Delhi, celebrating centuries of deep-rooted friendship and outlining an ambitious roadmap for bilateral cooperation across trade, advanced technology, defence, and human mobility.
Reflecting on the milestone Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations, PM Modi underscored its vision to attract $100 billion in investments and generate one million direct jobs in India over the next 15 years.
Boosting Trade, Infrastructure, and Defence
The Prime Minister emphasised strategic decisions aimed at expanding market access for Indian agricultural, pharmaceutical, textile, and engineering exports to Switzerland. Simultaneously, India is set to welcome increased Swiss investment in high-growth sectors, including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability.
Key highlights of the bilateral discussions include:
- Infrastructure Collaboration: Citing landmark projects such as the Varanasi Ropeway, Jewar Airport in Noida, and mountain railway tunnelling, a new agreement on transport, mobility, and infrastructure was signed to encourage Swiss firms to expand capacity building and manufacturing in India.
- Defence & Energy: Both nations identified fresh avenues for cooperation in military exchanges, defence production, and deepening nuclear energy collaboration.
- Science & Innovation: PM Modi welcomed a new agreement between Zurich University and Indian institutions to build capacity for science start-ups, alongside upcoming joint research projects in health, clean energy, and space.
Human-Centric Mobility and AI Vision
Underlining people-to-people ties as the core strength of the relationship, the leaders welcomed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and the Young Professionals Agreement, opening up new avenues for Indian students, researchers, and young workers in Switzerland.
Looking ahead to global governance and technology, PM Modi extended best wishes to Switzerland for hosting the upcoming Geneva AI Summit, reiterating a shared commitment to building responsible, inclusive, and human-centric artificial intelligence frameworks. Both leaders will also participate in the upcoming India-EFTA Business Leaders “Prosperity Summit” on Oct 7.
