India and Switzerland held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations across a wide range of sectors, while also reviewing regional and global developments during diplomatic engagements in New Delhi.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, where Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, met Alexandre Fasel, Switzerland’s State Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The talks focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries in key areas including trade, technology, investment and innovation.
Both sides exchanged views on broader geopolitical developments and explored ways to enhance collaboration through existing bilateral frameworks. Officials emphasised that the implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is expected to significantly boost technological cooperation, attract quality investments and generate employment opportunities in India.
India and Switzerland share a long history of commercial engagement that dates back to the early nineteenth century. Economic ties began expanding in 1851 when Volkart Trading Company established operations in Basel and Mumbai, marking one of the earliest formal commercial links between the two economies.
Diplomatic relations continued to strengthen over the decades, with Switzerland establishing consulates in key global locations, including Mumbai, during the First World War to secure trade and economic opportunities.
Bilateral engagement between the two countries gained further momentum following high-level visits in recent years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Switzerland in 2016 and 2018, while Swiss President Doris Leuthard travelled to India in 2017, contributing to deeper cooperation across sectors.
Economic ties received a major boost with the signing of the India–EFTA Free Trade Agreement in March 2024 after more than sixteen years of negotiations. With the agreement, Switzerland and other European Free Trade Association members — Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway — became the first European partners to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement with India.
The pact is expected to enhance trade flows, promote investments and strengthen collaboration in technology-driven industries. It also aims to support innovation partnerships and improve market access for businesses from both sides.
In recent engagements, India and Switzerland have also explored new opportunities for cooperation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Discussions between government officials and industry leaders have focused on expanding research and development collaborations and encouraging Swiss investments in India’s rapidly growing healthcare sector.
Officials from both countries expressed confidence that continued dialogue and policy coordination would help deepen the strategic and economic partnership while supporting sustainable growth and innovation-driven development in the years ahead.
