NEW DELHI, October 5, 2026 – Enhancing the robust diplomatic and economic partnership between the two nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hosted Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin for comprehensive bilateral discussions in New Delhi. The talks focused heavily on exploring new avenues to strengthen India-Switzerland relations, particularly in the critical sectors of trade, investment, advanced technologies, and mobility.
President Parmelin arrived in the national capital earlier on Monday for a three-day official State visit, marking his first such visit to India and his second overall trip this year following his attendance at the AI Impact Summit in February. His visit commenced with a formal ceremonial reception, followed by a tribute at Rajghat. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior officials and prominent business leaders, Parmelin’s visit is viewed as a key opportunity to review the progress of ongoing bilateral cooperation across science, innovation, and culture, while also exchanging views on pressing global and regional developments.
A significant highlight of President Parmelin’s itinerary is his scheduled participation in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The summit will commemorate the first anniversary of the implementation of the landmark India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed in March 2024 between India and the European Free Trade Association members: Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. With Switzerland standing as India’s largest trade and investment partner within the EFTA bloc, Parmelin’s participation underscores the economic gravity of the pact, which is anticipated to further boost bilateral trade and generate substantial employment opportunities.
Later on Monday, President Parmelin is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official state banquet in his honor at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Additionally, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will call on the Swiss President to further discuss multilateral cooperation and strategic ties.
Published by True Roots Media Network