India, Switzerland Sign Five Cooperation Instruments

India and Switzerland announced five bilateral cooperation instruments on 5 October 2026 during Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s state visit to India. The instruments cover migration and mobility, exchange of young professionals, transport technologies and infrastructure, scientific research, and innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship.

Migration and Mobility Framework

The Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility Partnership covers cooperation on equal treatment principles, irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking. It provides for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, stays of up to six months per visit, and renewable one-year student permits.

Young Professionals and Transport Cooperation

The Agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals allows 300 young professionals annually from each country, with a possible increase to 500. The arrangement between India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research covers transportation technologies, mobility systems, infrastructure, electric vehicles, ropeways, tunnels, and the circular economy.

Science, Innovation and Trade Context

The Letter of Intent between the Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation covers long-term cooperation between research communities and joint scientific initiatives. The Implementation Arrangement between the Department of Science and Technology and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences covers innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship through the Indo–Swiss Academia–Industry Training programme for early-stage startups.

Important Facts for Exams

• The India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement came into force in October 2025.
• The TEPA aims to attract $100 billion in investment over 15 years.
• The TEPA also targets the creation of one million direct jobs in India over 15 years.
• Hyderabad House in New Delhi is a venue used for high-level bilateral meetings in India.

India–Switzerland Cooperation

India and Switzerland are both members of the World Trade Organization, and Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association. Bilateral agreements between India and Switzerland often cover trade, science, mobility, and skills development.