India–Switzerland to Strengthen Ties in Defence and Nuclear Energy

India and Switzerland signed agreements on migration and mobility and the exchange of young professionals during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, civil nuclear energy, investment, infrastructure, research and technology.

Defence Cooperation

• India and Switzerland identified new opportunities in military exchanges and defence production.
• The two sides aim to strengthen broader security and defence-industrial cooperation.

Civil Nuclear Energy

• Both countries reached a consensus on further deepening cooperation in civil nuclear energy.
• The partnership is expected to focus on peaceful and technological applications of nuclear energy.

Migration and Mobility

• A Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed to facilitate legal migration and mobility.
• It seeks to prevent irregular migration, human exploitation and trafficking.
• It provides for multiple-entry visas of up to five years, including stays of up to six months per visit, subject to applicable rules.

Young Professionals Agreement

• The agreement provides for exchange of around 300 young professionals annually from each country, with scope to increase this to 500.
• It is aimed at creating opportunities for students, researchers, professionals and youth.
• Verification of nationality/residency is envisaged within 30–90 days.

Trade and Investment

• Both sides highlighted the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) as a major pillar of economic ties.
• India aims to attract $100 billion in investment and create one million direct jobs over 15 years under the partnership.
• India seeks greater Swiss investment in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.
• Indian exports expected to gain include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods.

Investment Protection and Market Access

• Switzerland expressed interest in concluding an investment protection agreement.
• Both sides also discussed intellectual property protection and improved market access.
• The objective is to build trusted supply chains and reliable economic partnerships.

Infrastructure Cooperation

• India and Switzerland agreed to strengthen collaboration in transport and infrastructure.
• Swiss firms may participate in capacity building, design, manufacturing and large infrastructure projects in India.
• India highlighted opportunities in ropeways, airports, railways and tunnelling projects.

Research and Innovation

• New joint research projects are planned in priority sectors such as health, clean energy and space.
• Both countries aim to deepen cooperation in technology transfer and innovation.

India–Switzerland relations are expanding beyond trade into a broader partnership covering defence, nuclear energy, mobility, investment, infrastructure and advanced research.