Swiss President Guy Parmelin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on the first day of a three-day state visit focused on trade, technology and the India-EFTA pact.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Monday, the first full day of a state visit running from 5 to 7 October. ANI reported that Parmelin earlier laid a wreath at Rajghat with his wife, Caroline Parmelin, and that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on the Swiss leader.
Jaishankar, writing on X, said he appreciated Parmelin's comments on deepening the partnership and building on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. The Ministry of External Affairs said the president is travelling with senior officials and business executives. This is his first state visit to India and his second trip this year after the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February.
The stated agenda covers commerce, investment, science, technology and workforce mobility. Parmelin is also due to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who is scheduled to host a banquet, ANI reported. He is expected at the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on 7 October, marking a year since TEPA became operational.
Hindustan Times reported that Parmelin is scheduled to visit Noida International Airport on 6 October, with Noida International Airport Ltd saying he would review the terminal and cargo facilities alongside a business delegation.
The remaining programme includes the Murmu meeting, the airport visit and the 7 October prosperity summit. No new treaty text was published with Monday's talks.
People Sentiments Positive
- Jaishankar said he was pleased to call on Parmelin and confident the Modi meeting would widen engagement.