India and Switzerland have expanded their bilateral partnership with a series of agreements focused on sustainable infrastructure, scientific research, technology, entrepreneurship and professional exchanges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin met at Hyderabad House to review the relationship between the two countries and discuss opportunities for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors. Several memorandums of understanding and other arrangements were signed during the engagement.
One of the key agreements establishes an Exchange of Young Professionals program. The initiative will allow eligible young professionals from both countries to take up temporary employment opportunities in the other country, helping participants strengthen their professional experience and language abilities. The program initially provides for an exchange of 300 participants annually from each country, with the possibility of increasing the number to 500. It also includes procedures for verifying nationality and residency status within specified timeframes.
Another agreement focuses on transportation technologies and sustainable infrastructure. India and Switzerland intend to collaborate on modern mobility systems and technologies, including electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels and solutions linked to the circular economy. The partnership is designed to support innovation while promoting more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
The two countries are also strengthening scientific cooperation. A Letter of Intent between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation will support collaboration between researchers from both nations. The framework is expected to encourage exploratory research, create partnerships for future joint projects and establish longer-term cooperation in mutually identified priority areas.
A separate implementation arrangement will promote innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship through the Indo-Swiss Academia-Industry Training program for early-stage startups. The initiative will include bilateral exchanges, workshops, skills development and networking opportunities designed to connect academic and industry ecosystems.
Modi said new joint research projects are expected in areas including health, clean energy and space. He also welcomed an agreement involving the University of Zurich aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Indian science-based startups.
The partnership comes as India prepares to host a Prosperity Summit on October 7 with business leaders from India and the European Free Trade Association. Modi said the gathering is intended to turn growing trade and investment ties into practical business opportunities.
The latest agreements reflect efforts by India and Switzerland to broaden their relationship beyond traditional trade and investment into technology, research, sustainable development and talent mobility.
