PM Modi, Swiss President Guy Parmelin Hold Bilateral Talks in New Delhi

The two leaders reviewed progress in cooperation covering trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, mobility, culture and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including cooperation through multilateral forums, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Parmelin and welcomed his commitment to deepening India-Switzerland relations.

Jaishankar said the Swiss President's visit would provide an opportunity to build on the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Parmelin received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi greeted him.

Speaking after the ceremony, Parmelin described his visit as an opportunity to underline the importance both countries attach to their relationship. He said India-Switzerland ties are based on shared democratic values, trust and mutual respect.

The Swiss President said his visit was intended to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries and facilitate discussions on bilateral and global issues.

Parmelin also highlighted the first anniversary of the India-EFTA TEPA coming into effect, describing his visit as an opportunity to mark the milestone and advance economic engagement between the two sides.

Parmelin is on a three-day State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. His first State visit to the country is focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation and mobility.

During the visit, Parmelin is also scheduled to meet President Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour.

The Swiss President had previously travelled to India in February 2026 to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs has described Switzerland as an important economic partner for India, noting that among the European Free Trade Association countries, Switzerland is India's largest trade and investment partner.

The ministry said the visit would build on regular high-level exchanges and further expand cooperation between the two countries into new areas of mutual interest.