Presidential visit to India marks first anniversary of free trade agreement
Bern, 01.10.2026 — President Guy Parmelin will travel to India from 5 to 7 October, where he has been invited to pay a state visit. Talks are scheduled to take place with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marks the first anniversary of the entry into force of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Mr Parmelin is taking part in a TEPA summit alongside delegations from the other EFTA states and will be accompanied by a delegation of business and academic representatives.
The meetings with President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of the Indian government are scheduled for Monday, 5 October. The talks will focus on global developments and the wide range of bilateral relations between Switzerland and India. Among the key topics are economic exchanges, Swiss investment in India, and cooperation in education, research and innovation, as well as in the field of migration.
On Tuesday, 6 October, the programme includes further meetings with members of the Indian government, as well as a visit to Noida International Airport, which is operated by a subsidiary of Zurich Airport. There are also plans for discussions with representatives from various business sectors and a high-level event on scientific cooperation. To round off the trip, the second India-EFTA ‘Prosperity Summit’ will take place on Wednesday, 7 October. The meeting brings together representatives from government and the business community to discuss new investment and cooperation opportunities.
Dynamic and well-rounded partnership
The dynamic economic ties between Switzerland and India have been underpinned by TEPA since 1 October 2025. This free trade agreement gives Swiss companies better access to the Indian market and enhances legal certainty and predictability. India is Switzerland's second largest trade partner in Asia and the most important trade partner in southern Asia. There are currently over 330 Swiss companies operating in India. Furthermore, Switzerland and India are linked by their longstanding and close cooperation in areas such as science, innovation and education. In addition, there are diplomatic ties, sector-specific agreements and a lively cultural exchange between the two countries, which will celebrate the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2028.
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