PM Modi, Swiss President Guy Parmelin Hold Bilateral Talks at Hyderabad House
Swiss President Guy Parmelin meets PM Modi at Hyderabad House to strengthen India-Switzerland ties and discuss the India-EFTA TEPA partnership.
In a significant move to fortify international ties, Swiss President Guy Parmelin held high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Monday. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic engagement between India and the Swiss Confederation, aimed at deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Strengthening the India-Switzerland Partnership
President Parmelin’s visit to New Delhi serves as a strategic "stepping stone" to bolster the long-standing and close relationship between the two nations. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in vital areas, including commerce, investment, scientific advancement, technological innovation, and workforce mobility.
Addressing the press following his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Parmelin emphasized that the diplomatic ties between India and Switzerland are anchored in shared democratic values, trust, and mutual respect. He noted that the visit provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance both nations attach to their bilateral relationship.
Focus on India-EFTA TEPA Agreement
A major highlight of the visit is the commemoration of the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This expansive free trade pact involves India and the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member nations: Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
- Agreement Signed: March 10, 2024
- Agreement Effective: October 1, 2025
- Significance: Switzerland serves as India's primary trade and investment partner among EFTA member states.
President Parmelin remarked that the timing is ideal to celebrate the progress made through the TEPA and to shape a joint future for both economies. He is scheduled to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7 to mark the operationalisation of the accord.
High-Level Diplomatic Itinerary
The Swiss President's three-day State visit includes several high-profile engagements:
- Ceremonial Reception: Received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Tribute at Rajghat: President Parmelin, accompanied by his wife Caroline Parmelin, attended a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Diplomatic Consultations: Meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and President Droupadi Murmu, including a ceremonial banquet.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his confidence that the meeting with Prime Minister Modi would further engagement across a wide range of domains, building on the promise of the India-EFTA TEPA. President Parmelin is traveling with a prominent delegation of senior officials and corporate executives to explore new frontiers in economic and technological collaboration.