India and Switzerland signed several agreements on transport, technology and innovation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.
India and Switzerland signed several agreements to strengthen India Switzerland relations. The agreements cover transportation technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure.
A Letter of Intent was also signed between the Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
An Implementation Arrangement was signed between the Department of Science and Technology and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. It covers cooperation in innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
India Switzerland Relations Gain New Momentum
The agreements were signed after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.
At a joint press meet, Prime Minister Modi appreciated President Parmelin’s commitment to strengthening India-Switzerland relations.
Modi highlighted the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. India implemented the agreement last October.
He described TEPA as an ambitious framework for investment, innovation, employment and shared prosperity.
Under the agreement, India aims to attract US$100 billion in investment and create 10 lakh direct jobs over the next 15 years.
India and Switzerland Expand Trade and Investment Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi said both countries have taken steps to improve market access for Indian exports in Switzerland. The measures will also facilitate investment between the two countries.
He said the initiatives will support exports of Indian agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods to Switzerland.
India also expects to attract Swiss investment in sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.
Modi said the two countries will work together to develop trusted supply chains and reliable solutions for global markets.
India Switzerland Relations Expand to Defence and Energy
India and Switzerland also identified new areas of cooperation in military exchanges and defence production.
The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in nuclear energy.
These initiatives add new areas to the expanding bilateral partnership between India and Switzerland.
Swiss President Begins Three-Day India Visit
President Guy Parmelin arrived in New Delhi for a three-day state visit. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior officials and business leaders.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta received the Swiss President at the airport.
President Parmelin later received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him. He was also accorded a tri-services guard of honour.
Speaking after the ceremonial welcome, President Parmelin said the visit was an opportunity to highlight the importance both countries attach to their relationship.
He said the partnership is built on shared democratic values, trust and mutual respect.
Jaishankar Welcomes Stronger India-Switzerland Partnership
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also called on President Parmelin.
In a social media post, Jaishankar welcomed the Swiss President’s commitment to deepening the India-Switzerland partnership. He highlighted the opportunities created by the India-EFTA TEPA.
He expressed confidence that President Parmelin’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi would strengthen engagement across a wide range of areas.
President Parmelin also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
He is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu later today. President Murmu will also host an official banquet in his honour.
Source: AIR
