India and Switzerland have agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, mobility, defence, nuclear energy and scientific research. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two countries have affirmed their commitment to improve market access for Indian exports and attract greater Swiss investment during talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Monday.

In a joint press statement, Modi highlighted the India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force in October last year. He said the agreement provides a strong framework for investment, innovation, employment and shared prosperity. The pact aims to attract $100 billion in investment into India and create one million direct jobs over 15 years. Modi called it India’s first free trade agreement with a European economic bloc and praised Parmelin’s support in bringing it into force.

The Prime Minister said the new decisions would help increase Indian exports of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods to Switzerland. India will also seek fresh Swiss investments in biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability. The initiatives are expected to strengthen trusted supply chains and develop reliable solutions for global needs.

India and Switzerland also signed an agreement on transport, mobility and infrastructure. Modi referred to the Varanasi ropeway, Noida’s Jewar Airport and railway and tunnelling projects in mountainous areas as examples of existing cooperation. He invited Swiss infrastructure companies to make large-scale investments in India and contribute to capacity building, design and manufacturing.

The two countries identified new opportunities in military exchanges and defence production. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy. In science and technology, India and Switzerland will soon launch joint research projects in health, clean energy and space. Modi welcomed an agreement with the University of Zurich to strengthen the capabilities of Indian science startups.

The leaders also discussed cooperation in yoga and Ayurveda, which have gained popularity in Switzerland. Modi said people-to-people ties remain the greatest strength of the partnership. The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and the Young Professionals Agreement signed during the visit will open new opportunities in Switzerland for Indian students, researchers, professionals and young people.

On global issues, Modi said India and Switzerland share a commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. He said both countries would continue efforts towards global peace and stability. On Ukraine and West Asia, India has supported every meaningful effort towards peace. The two sides also backed reforms in global institutions to address emerging challenges.

Parmelin arrived with a large business delegation. Modi said a Prosperity Summit with India–EFTA business leaders will take place on October 7 in the Swiss President’s presence. The summit aims to turn the trade and investment partnership into concrete outcomes.

Modi also extended his best wishes for the Geneva AI Summit, which Switzerland will host next year. Referring to India’s AI summit in February, which he described as the world’s largest, he expressed confidence in continued cooperation on responsible, inclusive and human-centric AI. Modi also recalled Swami Vivekananda’s visit to Switzerland and Mahatma Gandhi’s association with the country. He said innovation, infrastructure and advanced technology now form key pillars of the longstanding relationship.