President Murmu Highlights Switzerland as Key Trade and Investment Partner for India

President Droupadi Murmu has described Switzerland as an important trade and investment partner for India, underlining the scope for stronger economic cooperation following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Partnership Agreement. Murmu made the remarks while hosting Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin at a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Parmelin is on a three-day visit to India from October 5 to October 7.

Welcoming the Swiss President, Murmu said India and Switzerland share close and friendly ties rooted in common democratic values and respect for the rule of law. She noted that bilateral cooperation has expanded across trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The President highlighted the potential for greater economic engagement after the implementation of the India-EFTA agreement, calling it a significant development that could create new opportunities to expand trade and investment between the two sides. She also pointed to the growing presence of Swiss companies in India. Swiss firms have been involved in major infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, railway bridges and tunnels. According to Murmu, companies from Switzerland could further explore India's expanding opportunities in areas such as clean and green technologies and artificial intelligence.

During Parmelin's visit, the two countries also signed key agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including migration and mobility, research and technology transfer. Murmu and Parmelin expressed confidence that stronger India-Switzerland cooperation would generate meaningful benefits for citizens of both countries. They also agreed that continued high-level engagement would help further deepen bilateral relations.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan was among those present at the banquet hosted in Parmelin's honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Parmelin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House for discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation. The talks covered trade and investment, particularly in the context of the India-EFTA agreement, as well as defence production, nuclear energy, infrastructure, mobility, science, technology and innovation.

Modi also highlighted opportunities for cooperation involving students and professionals. The two sides discussed strengthening collaboration in health, clean energy, space, Yoga and Ayurveda. The Swiss President's October 5-7 visit is focused on broadening India-Switzerland ties in areas ranging from commerce and investment to scientific research, technology, infrastructure and workforce mobility.

Murmu also stressed the importance of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, saying they have helped maintain momentum in bilateral relations. She expressed confidence that closer cooperation would further strengthen the longstanding partnership between India and Switzerland.

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