India and Switzerland sign five cooperation agreements

India and Switzerland signed five agreements on October 5 covering migration and mobility, young professionals, transport cooperation and research, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment and other fields during talks in New Delhi. The agreements were announced as the two countries marked the first anniversary of the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement coming into force. The signed instruments include a migration and mobility partnership, an exchange programme for young professionals, cooperation on transportation technologies and infrastructure, and arrangements to support research and innovation. The Indian government said the mobility agreement provides for multiple-entry visas of up to five years, with stays of up to six months per visit, as well as renewable one-year permits for students. The young-professionals programme allows up to 300 participants from each country annually, with the possibility of increasing that number to 500. Modi said the two sides had identified opportunities to expand cooperation in defence, military exchanges and nuclear energy.