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Modi, Swiss President Forge AI & Trade Pact at New Delhi Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held discussions on enhancing bilateral collaboration in trade, investment, and technology, particularly following the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. The leaders met on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where they emphasized future-ready partnerships in AI innovation. President Parmelin announced Switzerland will host the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, aiming to advance global dialogue on responsible AI use and governance. The summit itself aims to position India as an AI leader, focusing on inclusive growth and bringing together hundreds of global leaders, academics, and government officials.

Key Points: India-Switzerland AI & Trade Talks at AI Impact Summit

  • Strengthening India-Switzerland economic ties
  • Focus on AI innovation and governance
  • Implementation of India-EFTA trade pact
  • Switzerland to host next AI Summit in 2027
3 min read

Trade, investment and technology in focus as PM Modi meets Swiss President during AI Impact Summit

PM Modi and Swiss President Parmelin discuss trade, AI innovation, and the India-EFTA pact, aiming for tech collaboration and youth jobs.

Trade, investment and technology in focus as PM Modi meets Swiss President during AI Impact Summit
"Our ties will foster technological collaboration, quality investments and create jobs especially for our youth. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, Feb 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Thursday discussed strengthening of India-Switzerland collaboration in the economic sphere, including trade, investment and technology especially with the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement that came into effect in October 2025.

Both leaders engaged in productive discussions on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 being held in New Delhi.

"They discussed strengthening India-Switzerland collaboration in the economic sphere, including trade, investment and technology especially with the implementation of India-EFTA TEPA, and future-ready partnerships in AI innovation. Our ties will foster technological collaboration, quality investments and create jobs especially for our youth," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X after the meeting.

Switzerland will host the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027.

"With this summit, Switzerland will actively contribute to advancing the global dialogue on the responsible use of AI, as well as its international governance and regulation," said Parmelin while addressing the gathering during the inauguration ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday.

"AI is shaping our future at an unprecedented pace. It is of vital importance that governments work closely together, exchange knowledge, and ensure that AI benefits everyone," the Swiss President posted on X.

Later in the day, Parmelin also visited the Switzerland pavilion at the Summit which he said demonstrates the country's excellence in innovation and research.

"The development of AI must always guarantee the protection of fundamental rights. Innovation must always go hand in hand with responsibility," he stated.

The theme of India AI Impact Summit 2026 is 'Welfare for all, happiness of all'. It aims to position India as a leader in the field of AI and envisions a future where AI advances humanity, fosters inclusive growth, and safeguards the shared planet.

Seven Working Groups anchor the Summit, aligned to three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. These groups will work on delivering concrete outcomes demonstrating AI's impact across sectors. The seven themes are: AI for Economic Growth and Social Good; Democratizing AI Resources; Inclusion for Social Empowerment; Safe and Trusted AI; Human Capital; Science; Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency.

The Summit has brought together more than 500 Global AI Leaders, including CEOs/CXOs, around 100 CEOs and Founders, 150 Academicians and Researchers, and 400 CTOs, VPs, and Philanthropists. It is also engaging over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 Heads of State and Government and around 60 Ministers and Vice Ministers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, I'm thrilled to see India hosting such a major AI summit. The focus on 'Safe and Trusted AI' and 'Democratizing AI Resources' is crucial. Collaborating with a country like Switzerland known for precision and ethics can set a great global standard.
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Priya S
Good to see the discussions, but I hope these high-level summits lead to practical outcomes for ordinary citizens. Will this AI innovation reach our farmers, small shopkeepers, and teachers? The 'Inclusion for Social Empowerment' working group needs to deliver tangible results.
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Vikram M
Switzerland hosting the next summit in 2027 shows India is being taken seriously as a tech partner on the world stage. Jai Hind! The youth are watching – we need more such platforms for skill development and global exposure in cutting-edge fields like AI.
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Michael C
The emphasis from the Swiss President on AI going "hand in hand with responsibility" and protecting fundamental rights is the key takeaway. Global governance of AI is essential, and India's voice in that conversation is vital given its scale and digital ambitions.
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Rohit P
While the summit is impressive, let's be realistic. Most of the 500 "Global AI Leaders" are likely from big corporations. True 'Democratizing AI' means ensuring our brilliant IITs, NITs, and even tier-2 college students get access to these resources and networks, not just the elite.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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