India and Switzerland Deepen Partnership During Official Visit

The arrival of Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi on 5 October set the stage for a high‑profile three‑day state visit. A ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a host of dignitaries, with the Swiss president’s wife accompanying him throughout the program.

President Parmelin used his opening remarks to stress that the visit underscores how both nations place great importance on their bilateral ties. He cited democratic norms, mutual trust, and reciprocal respect as the foundations of the relationship.

He characterized the trip as an essential step toward strengthening a long‑standing, comprehensive partnership that spans commerce, technology, research, and cultural interaction. Parmelin also expressed enthusiasm about celebrating the first anniversary of the India‑EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), viewing the milestone as a sign of shared progress.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the delegation comprises senior officials from key ministries and top‑level business leaders, marking Parmelin’s inaugural official state visit to India, after a prior participation in an AI impact summit in February 2026.

A bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Parmelin is scheduled to evaluate cooperation in trade, investment, science, innovation, mobility, and people‑to‑people contact, while also addressing regional and international challenges.