Archive · 6 Oct 2026
India and Switzerland Expand Defence, Nuclear and Economic Cooperation
India and Switzerland agreed to work more closely together in several areas.
They want to cooperate on defence and nuclear energy.
New agreements are intended to make it easier for people to travel, study and work between the countries.
Young professionals will be able to take part in an exchange programme.
The countries also want to grow trade and investment.
They plan to work together on transport and infrastructure projects.
New research projects in health, clean energy and space are expected.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin also said Switzerland hopes to conclude an investment protection agreement soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin agreed to deepen cooperation in defence and nuclear energy.
The two countries signed mobility agreements covering longer-duration visas and exchanges of young professionals.
The young professionals agreement provides for 300 participants per country annually, with the possibility of increasing the number to 500.
Leaders discussed expanding trade and investment under the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
They also signed an agreement on transport and infrastructure cooperation and discussed joint research in health, clean energy and space.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin.
- What
- They agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, mobility, trade, investment, infrastructure and research.
- When
- Monday; the article does not specify a date.
- Where
- During a meeting between the leaders; the article does not specify the meeting location.
- Why
- To deepen bilateral cooperation and advance opportunities in trade, investment, mobility and other sectors.
- Mobility agreement
- Provides for multiple-entry visas of up to five years, with stays of up to six months per visit, and renewable one-year student permits.
- Young professionals exchange
- Provides for an annual exchange of 300 people per country, potentially rising to 500.
- Trade agreement
- The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force in October of the previous year.
- Investment ambition
- India aims to attract $100 billion in investment and create one million direct jobs over 15 years through the agreement.
- Infrastructure cooperation
- The countries signed an agreement to collaborate on transport and infrastructure.
- Swiss proposal
- Switzerland hopes to conclude an investment protection agreement soon and said progress on intellectual property protection is important.