PM Modi, Swiss Prez Parmelin hold talks on India-EFTA trade ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, as the two countries sought to expand cooperation a year after the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) came into force.Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Swiss President Guy Parmelin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday for talks on strengthening the India-Switzerland partnership and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "We have taken several important decisions to increase market access for Indian exports in Switzerland and further facilitate investment between the two countries. This will increase India’s exports of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and engineering goods to Switzerland..."

— IANS (@ians_india) October 5, 2026

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said PM Modi warmly received Parmelin, who is on a State visit to India.“A substantive agenda lies ahead as the two leaders are set to discuss the many dimensions of the India–Switzerland partnership and explore new opportunities to take it further,” Jaiswal said.
The meeting formed part of Parmelin’s three-day State visit, which focuses on trade, investment, science, technology, innovation and workforce mobility. Regional and global developments, alongside cooperation in multilateral forums, are also on the agenda.

PM @narendramodi warmly received President Guy Parmelin @ParmelinG of the Swiss Confederation at Hyderabad House today. A substantive agenda lies ahead as the two leaders are set to discuss the many dimensions of the India–Switzerland partnership and explore new opportunities to take it further. ????????????????

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 5, 2026

Earlier, Parmelin paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Jaiswal described the visit as a moment of remembrance at the memorial of Gandhi, whose message of peace and non-violence continues to resonate across the world.
The Swiss President was also accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The welcome reflected the warmth and longstanding friendship between India and Switzerland, the MEA spokesperson said.

President Guy Parmelin @ParmelinG of the Swiss Confederation paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi. A moment of remembrance at the memorial of the Mahatma, whose message of peace and non-violence continues to resonate across the world. https://t.co/keTstdM1D3

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 5, 2026

On his arrival in New Delhi, Parmelin was received at the airport by Minister of State Ajay Tamta and accorded a ceremonial static guard. Jaiswal said the State visit would further strengthen the bilateral partnership.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on the visiting President, with their interaction focusing on deepening ties and building on the opportunities offered by the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.“Deeply appreciate President Parmelin’s sentiments towards deepening our partnership, building on the promise of India-EFTA TEPA,” EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Pleased to call on President Guy Parmelin @ParmelinG of the Swiss Confederation, visiting India on a State Visit. Deeply appreciate President Parmelin’s sentiments towards deepening our partnership, building on the promise of India - EFTA TEPA. Confident that his meeting with PM @narendramodi will further our engagement across a wide range of domains. ???????? ????????

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 5, 2026

He expressed confidence that Parmelin’s meeting with PM Modi would advance engagement across a wide range of areas.The visit comes as India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) mark one year of the TEPA, which aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two sides.Parmelin is visiting India from October 5 to 7 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders.
This is Parmelin’s first State visit to India and his second visit to the country this year. He previously travelled to New Delhi in February 2026 to participate in the AI Impact Summit.Parmelin is also scheduled to participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, marking the first anniversary of the India-EFTA TEPA coming into force.
Switzerland is India's largest trade and investment partner among the EFTA countries. The visit is expected to build on longstanding India-Switzerland relations and deepen cooperation in new areas of mutual interest.