President Murmu Highlights Benefits of India-Switzerland Cooperation

October 5, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet on October 5 in honour of Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Welcoming President Parmelin, Murmu highlighted the warm and cordial relations between India and Switzerland, which are based on shared democratic values and the rule of law.

India and Switzerland Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Murmu said cooperation between the two countries extends across several areas, including trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, culture, and people-to-people contacts.

She noted that regular high-level exchanges have continued to strengthen bilateral relations.

The President also described Switzerland as an important trade and investment partner for India, pointing to new opportunities linked to the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

Focus on Technology, Clean Energy and Innovation

Murmu said India and Switzerland could explore greater cooperation in emerging sectors such as clean and green technology and artificial intelligence.

She also welcomed agreements signed during the Swiss President’s visit covering areas including migration and mobility, research and technology transfer.

Both leaders agreed that stronger cooperation between India and Switzerland could bring benefits to the people of both countries.

Swiss Companies Have Role in India’s Infrastructure

Murmu also highlighted the role of Swiss companies in India’s infrastructure sector.

Swiss companies have been involved in projects including roads, railway bridges and tunnels, reflecting the broader economic relationship between the two countries.

The two sides are also looking at opportunities to expand cooperation in science, technology and innovation as part of their wider bilateral partnership.

Modi and Parmelin Discuss Trade, Defence and Nuclear Energy

Earlier on October 5, Swiss President Guy Parmelin held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Their discussions covered trade and investment, defence production, nuclear energy, infrastructure and mobility, science and technology, and opportunities for students and professionals.

Modi said the two countries also discussed deeper cooperation in health, clean energy, space, Yoga and Ayurveda.

The India-EFTA TEPA is also a major part of the economic relationship. India has described the agreement as its first free-trade agreement with a European economic bloc, with a commitment to attract $100 billion in investment and create 1 million direct jobs over 15 years.

Guy Parmelin’s India Visit

The Swiss President’s visit to India began on October 5 and runs through October 7.

The visit is focused on strengthening bilateral engagement in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation and workforce mobility.

During his visit, Parmelin also received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Both India and Switzerland have expressed confidence that the visit will help deepen their long-standing partnership and create further opportunities for cooperation.