India and Switzerland have agreed to strengthen their long-term cooperation in science, technology, research and innovation, with clean technology, renewable energy and advanced research emerging as key areas of collaboration.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh held a bilateral meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi on October 6, 2026. The discussions focused on expanding the India-Switzerland partnership through stronger institutional engagement and a more structured research framework.
Focus on Clean Technology and Renewable Energy
The two countries discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, space, deep ocean research, advanced materials, clean technology and renewable energy.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s mission-oriented approach to science and technology, with national programmes increasingly bringing together expertise across different disciplines. He also pointed to opportunities in the blue economy and bio-economy.
India and Switzerland have already developed cooperation in renewable energy, clean technology, advanced materials and other research areas through their longstanding science and technology partnership.
Switzerland Earmarks CHF 45 Million
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said Switzerland has earmarked a further CHF 45 million to strengthen the Indo-Swiss research partnership. He also expressed the expectation of a corresponding commitment from India to further consolidate the joint research framework.
The proposed Indo-Swiss Research Framework (ISRF) and Indo-Swiss Joint Scientific Board are expected to provide a stronger institutional structure for long-term cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting also welcomed a Letter of Intent between the Swiss National Science Foundation and India’s Department of Science and Technology, along with an Implementation Agreement between the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and the Department of Science and Technology.
Partnership to Expand Across Emerging Technologies
India and Switzerland have cooperated in science and technology for more than two decades following the signing of an inter-governmental agreement in 2003. The partnership has since expanded into areas including quantum technology, artificial intelligence, clean technology, renewable energy, ocean research, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research and space technologies.
The two sides also discussed artificial intelligence and its applications, with Switzerland highlighting the importance of ensuring that AI delivers benefits across the Global South.
The strengthened research framework is expected to move bilateral cooperation beyond individual projects towards a more strategic and system-level partnership, with greater knowledge exchange, researcher mobility and long-term collaboration.
The two countries also intend to establish a regular working arrangement to ensure continued engagement and follow-up on bilateral science, technology and innovation initiatives.
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