SYLLABUS
GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Swiss President Guy Parmelin paid a State visit to India from 5–7 October 2026, his first State visit to India and second visit to India in 2026.
Key Highlights of Visit
• MoU on Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP): Provides 5-year multiple-entry visas, stays of up to 6 months per visit and renewable 1-year student permits, while addressing irregular migration, exploitation and trafficking.
• Agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals (YPS): Enables exchange of 300 young professionals annually from each country, expandable to 500, for temporary employment and professional and language development.
• MoU on Promotion and Collaboration on Transportation Technologies, Mobility Systems and Infrastructure in Identified Areas: Promotes cooperation in EVs, ropeways, tunnels, circular economy and sustainable mobility infrastructure.
• Letter of Intent between Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF): Promotes scientific collaboration, exploratory research and long-term joint research partnerships.
• Implementation Arrangement for Cooperation in Innovation, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship between DST and Zurich University of Applied Sciences: Supports innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship through the Indo-Swiss Academia–Industry Training (AIT India) programme for early-stage start-ups.
• Research Flagship: The inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship event was announced to strengthen bilateral research cooperation.
• Trade & Investment: Both sides agreed to expand Indian market access and Swiss investment, building on the India–EFTA TEPA and its target of USD 100 billion investment and 1 million direct jobs in India over 15 years.
India–Switzerland Relations
