India and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in science, technology, research and innovation, with both sides exploring a more structured and long-term framework for collaboration in emerging and strategic areas.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, held a bilateral meeting with President of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Guy Parmelin, in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening institutional partnerships and expanding cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s growing emphasis on an interdisciplinary and mission-oriented approach to science and technology. He noted that national programmes are increasingly bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines and government ministries to address complex challenges.
The Minister also underlined India’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing it as an enabling technology capable of supporting innovation across a wide range of scientific and technological fields rather than being treated as an isolated discipline.
During the meeting, Dr. Singh outlined several priority areas where India is advancing rapidly, including biotechnology, vaccine development, genome sequencing, quantum technology, space research and deep ocean exploration. He also pointed to growing opportunities in the blue economy and bio-economy, where international scientific cooperation can contribute to new technologies and sustainable solutions.
Dr. Singh welcomed progress towards the Indo-Swiss Research Framework (ISRF) and the proposed Indo-Swiss Joint Scientific Board. These initiatives are expected to provide a stronger institutional foundation for bilateral research cooperation and help transition the partnership towards a strategic, long-term model.
He also welcomed the Letter of Intent signed between the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and India’s Department of Science & Technology (DST), along with the Implementation Agreement between the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and DST. According to the Minister, such institutional arrangements can strengthen researcher mobility, knowledge exchange and collaborative research.
President Guy Parmelin described India as a rapidly emerging global research and development power and said Switzerland is keen to establish itself as a long-term partner in India’s education, research and innovation ecosystem.
Recalling the bilateral Science and Technology Agreement signed in 2003, President Parmelin said cooperation between the two countries has expanded steadily over the past two decades. He expressed Switzerland’s commitment to developing a more structured framework for scientific collaboration.
President Parmelin also announced that Switzerland has earmarked an additional CHF 45 million for the partnership. He expressed the expectation that India would make a corresponding commitment to further consolidate the Indo-Swiss research framework.
Artificial Intelligence was another important subject discussed during the meeting. President Parmelin emphasised the importance of ensuring that AI delivers benefits for countries across the Global South. He also invited India to participate in the forthcoming Geneva AI Summit, reflecting the two countries’ shared interest in responsible and inclusive technological development.
India and Switzerland have maintained scientific cooperation for more than two decades. Since the signing of the inter-governmental agreement in 2003, the partnership has expanded through the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme into areas such as quantum technology, AI, clean technology, renewable energy, ocean research, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, pandemic preparedness and space technologies.
The emerging Indo-Swiss Research Framework aims to move cooperation beyond individual projects towards a broader system-level partnership. Greater researcher mobility, knowledge sharing and institutional coordination are expected to form important elements of this next phase.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of establishing a regular working arrangement between the two countries to maintain momentum and ensure effective follow-up on agreed areas. He expressed confidence that India’s expanding scientific capabilities and Switzerland’s strong research ecosystem can create new opportunities for collaboration in emerging technologies and innovation.
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Author: Shivam
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