India, Switzerland seek closer trade, defence and nuclear energy ties

NEW DELHI: India and Switzerland discussed expanding cooperation in trade, defence production and nuclear energy on Monday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.

In a post on X, Modi said the discussions covered trade and investment under the India–European Free Trade Association agreement, alongside infrastructure, mobility, science, technology and innovation. The leaders also examined opportunities for students and professionals.

The talks come a year after the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on October 1, 2025. The pact, which covers Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, aims to mobilise $100 billion in investment into India over 15 years and support the creation of one million direct jobs.

Modi said the two countries had identified opportunities for military exchanges and defence production and agreed to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy, according to Indian public broadcaster DD India.

The countries also signed an agreement covering transport, mobility and infrastructure. Modi invited Swiss companies to expand their involvement in India’s infrastructure sector, including design, manufacturing and capacity building.

Migration and mobility arrangements concluded during the visit are intended to open further opportunities for Indian students, researchers and young professionals in Switzerland.

Joint research projects are also planned in health, clean energy and space, while Modi welcomed an agreement with the University of Zurich to support Indian science startups.

Parmelin is accompanied by a business delegation. An India–EFTA Prosperity Summit scheduled for October 7 will seek to translate the trade partnership into business and investment opportunities, Modi said.