India and Switzerland Sign Key Agreements on Migration, Transport, and Science
During the state visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation to India, both nations signed agreements covering migration, youth professional exchange, and sustainable transport.
India and Switzerland have agreed upon several important agreements and letters of intent to strengthen bilateral relations during the state visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation to India. The primary objective of these agreements is to promote cooperation in areas such as migration, education, transport, and scientific research.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed under the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP), aimed at developing migration cooperation based on principles of equal treatment and preventing irregular migration, human exploitation, and trafficking. This agreement provides for multiple-entry visas for up to five years, allowing stays of up to six months per visit. It also includes the facility of renewable one-year student permits.
Through an agreement on the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), young professionals will be able to obtain temporary employment in each other's countries, enhancing their professional and linguistic skills. The goal under this scheme is the exchange of 300 people annually, which may be increased to 500 in the future.
In the field of transport and infrastructure, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) of Switzerland. This collaboration will focus on transport technologies and sustainable infrastructure development, including electric vehicles, ropeways, circular economy, and tunnel construction.
In the realm of scientific research, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to foster long-term cooperation and joint research between the research communities of both countries. Additionally, an Implementation Agreement (IA) was signed between the DST and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. This will facilitate the 'India-Swiss Academic-Industry Training (AIT India)' program, providing cooperation in innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship for early-stage startups.
During the visit, the inaugural session of the 'India-Switzerland Research Lead Program' was also organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
