Swiss President Calls India Visit Stepping Stone To Strengthen Long-Standing Bilateral Partnership

Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin on Monday described his India visit as a “stepping stone” towards strengthening the close and long-standing partnership between the two countries.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Parmelin during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking after the ceremony, Parmelin said the visit offered an opportunity to underline the importance both countries attach to their relationship. He said India and Switzerland share democratic values, trust and mutual respect.

“My visit is a stepping stone towards further growth, deepening and strengthening of our close, broad and long-standing partnership,” Parmelin said.

He said his visit would enable both sides to discuss bilateral and global issues. He highlighted the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which entered into force on October 1, 2025.

India signed TEPA with EFTA members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland on March 10, 2024. Parmelin said the anniversary offered an opportunity to celebrate progress and shape a shared future.

During his three-day State visit, Parmelin will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi on trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, mobility and people-to-people ties. The leaders will discuss regional and global developments as well.

Parmelin will meet President Murmu, who will host an official banquet. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will call on him.

The Swiss President will participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Switzerland remains India’s largest trade and investment partner among EFTA countries. It said regular high-level exchanges would strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in new areas.

The State Visit begins with the conversations that shape what comes next.

Encouraging to see Swiss President @ParmelinG and Indian Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar exchange views on Switzerland–India relations as the world undergoes unprecedented shifts. 🌍

Strong ties give us a foundation. Dialogue gives them the direction.

@DefrWbf | @EDA_DFAE | @SwissMFA @bakomCH | @ofcomCH | @MEAIndia | @SwissEmbassyIND

— Maya Tissafi (@SwissAmbIND) October 5, 2026

Also Read: Swiss President Parmelin Receives Ceremonial Welcome; Meets PM Modi, President Murmu