New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Monday held wide-ranging discussions on India-Switzerland relations, reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and exploring ways to further expand cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), defence, nuclear energy, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, diplomacy and the reform of global institutions, underlining the importance of closer cooperation on international issues.
The meeting took place at Hyderabad House, where Modi and Parmelin discussed the growing momentum in economic engagement between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the discussions covered a broad range of areas and focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership.
“PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging discussions with President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Republic at Hyderabad House. Both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Switzerland relations and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, innovation and AI, military exchange and defence production, nuclear energy, S&T and people-to-people ties,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.
He said both sides had noted the positive momentum in economic cooperation generated by the India-EFTA TEPA and reaffirmed their commitment to building an innovation-led partnership.
The discussions also resulted in new agreements and initiatives covering transport, mobility and infrastructure, migration and mobility, and young professionals. The two countries also agreed to pursue new joint research initiatives in areas including health, clean energy and space.
The MEA said the outcomes reflected the broadening nature of India-Switzerland ties, with cooperation extending beyond traditional economic and diplomatic engagement into emerging technologies, research and strategic sectors.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George and other senior officials were present during the meeting. Modi and Parmelin also exchanged warm greetings before beginning their discussions.
Earlier in the day, President Parmelin received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the beginning of his three-day State visit to India.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremonial welcome, Parmelin described his visit as an opportunity to underline the importance attached by both countries to their bilateral relationship.
“The visit is an excellent opportunity to emphasise the importance that both Switzerland and India attach to this relationship,” he said.
The Swiss President said the partnership was based on shared democratic values, trust and mutual respect. He described his visit as a step towards further strengthening a close and long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“My visit is a stepping stone towards further growth, deepening and strengthening of our close, broad and long-standing partnership. I am pleased and honoured that we have the chance to exchange views on matters of bilateral and global importance,” Parmelin said.
He also highlighted the significance of the India-EFTA TEPA, which entered into force a year ago.
“I am especially glad that my stay in India will enable us to commemorate the first anniversary of the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, TEPA,” he said.
Parmelin arrived in India on Monday at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi for his first State visit to the country. The visit is focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation and mobility.
It is also his second visit to India this year. He had earlier travelled to New Delhi in February 2026 to participate in the AI Impact Summit.
The latest high-level engagement is expected to provide further momentum to India-Switzerland relations, particularly in economic cooperation, technology, innovation, research and mobility, while reinforcing coordination on global and multilateral issues.
