Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Switzerland Guy Parmelin have discussions about India-Switzerland relations. After this meeting both the countries signed up on five key agreements and cooperation agreements which covers the important areas like migration, young professionals, transport, scientific research and innovation.

The focus of these agreements was not limited till government-to-government cooperation, this could directly impact Indian students, young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and startups. These agreements are seen as part of important developments in field of education, employment, research and technology cooperation.

Five Key Agreements Signed Between India and Switzerland

The five major agreements signed between India and Switzerland include cooperation related to Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, Young Professionals agreement, transportation and infrastructure cooperation, scientific research cooperation and innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

     Migration and Mobility Agreement for Students and Professionals

One of the most important agreement is Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to provide legal migration to the citizens of both countries and better structure to the mobility.

Indian students and professionals who want to explore opportunities in Switzerland regarding education, training and professional opportunities, this agreement can be important for them. According to agreement provisions eligible applicants can get multiple-entry visas and long-term mobility options, subject to applicable rules and eligibility. Renewable one-year permit is also part of provision for students.

    Young Professionals Get New Opportunities

India and Switzerland have also signed off on Young Professional Agreement. The focus of this agreement is to provide temporary professional experience and training opportunities to young people. Under the initial agreement 300 young professionals from each country every year can participate. In future this number can be increase up to 500 per country annually.

The benefits of this program are not limited till job experience but young professionals can also get international workplace exposure, practical skills and opportunities like language experience gain. The work exposure in international business and technology hub like Switzerland can be useful for career opportunities of Indian youngster.

     Transport and Infrastructure Cooperation

Another major area of cooperation between India and Switzerland is transportation and infrastructure. Both countries have made an agreement to increase cooperation in areas of transportation technologies, sustainable mobility and infrastructure development. In this cooperation areas like electric mobility, ropeways, tunnels and sustainable infrastructure are important.

In India, the use of Swiss expertise and technology in areas like ropeway projects, railway infrastructure and tunneling projects is an important part of future collaboration.

     New Opportunities for Researchers

Scientific research is also an important part of India-Switzerland partnership. The letter of intent has been signed to strengthen scientific cooperation between India’s Department of Science and Technology and Swiss National Science Foundation. The main objective of this collaboration is to develop stronger connections between Indian and Swiss researchers. The other objective is to encourage joint research opportunities.

The areas of health, clean energy and space were also highlighted as future research collaboration opportunities.

      Startups and Entrepreneurs Can Benefit

The fifth agreement is particularly important from innovation and entrepreneurship perspective. The cooperation between India’s Department of Science and Technology and Zurich University of Applied Sciences is focuses on innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. Through this arrangement, opportunities can be developed for early-stage startups like bilateral exchanges, workshops, capability building and networking.

India-Switzerland Relations Beyond These Agreements

These agreements are a part of broader economic and strategic relationship between India and Switzerland. Trade, investment, technology, education, research and talent mobility are important areas of cooperation between both the countries. Under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries are focusing on expanding economic engagement through increased trade, investment, and business cooperation.