India and Switzerland have agreed to deepen their science and technology partnership through a more structured, long-term framework. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds independent charge of the Ministry of Science & Technology, met Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi to discuss expanding cooperation in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and space research.
The two countries are moving away from project-by-project collaboration towards a strategic partnership that will involve greater institutional engagement and sustained knowledge exchange. Switzerland has committed an additional CHF 45 million to support this expanded collaboration.
Key facts
- Switzerland earmarks CHF 45 million to strengthen the Indo-Swiss research partnership
- Indo-Swiss Research Framework and Indo-Swiss Joint Scientific Board established to provide structured cooperation
- Letter of Intent signed between Swiss National Science Foundation and India’s Department of Science & Technology
- Implementation Agreement between Zurich University of Applied Sciences and India’s Department of Science & Technology
- Bilateral Science and Technology Agreement between India and Switzerland dates back to 2003
- India invited to participate in the Geneva AI Summit
What the partnership covers
The expanded cooperation will focus on several priority areas. India is pursuing mission-mode approaches in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, vaccine development, genome sequencing, space research and deep ocean exploration. The partnership also extends to the blue economy, bio-economy, clean technology, renewable energy, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, pandemic preparedness and space technologies.
Dr. Singh highlighted that India views artificial intelligence not as a standalone discipline but as an enabling tool that can strengthen work across multiple scientific domains and help solve problems in different sectors.
How the new framework works
The Indo-Swiss Research Framework represents a shift from the earlier Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme model. Instead of individual project collaborations, the new structure aims to create a system-level partnership with enhanced researcher mobility, knowledge sharing and longer-term commitments between institutions in both countries.
The framework is underpinned by institutional agreements. The Swiss National Science Foundation and India’s Department of Science & Technology have signed a Letter of Intent to guide their joint activities. Separately, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences has signed an Implementation Agreement with India’s Department of Science & Technology to facilitate direct institutional collaboration.
India’s science and technology priorities
Dr. Singh described India’s interdisciplinary approach to science policy. Rather than treating different fields in isolation, India brings together expertise from multiple disciplines and across different government departments to address major challenges and opportunities. This mission-mode approach is being applied to quantum technology, biotechnology, space exploration and ocean research, among other areas.
The minister also highlighted India’s work in vaccine development, genome sequencing and pandemic preparedness as areas where bilateral cooperation could grow.
Swiss perspective and commitment
Swiss President Parmelin described India as a rapidly emerging global research and development power. He stated that Switzerland aims to position itself as a long-term partner in education, research and innovation with India. He noted that bilateral cooperation has grown steadily since the 2003 agreement and said Switzerland is committed to developing a more structured framework.
The CHF 45 million commitment is intended to support the expanded partnership. President Parmelin expressed the expectation that India would make a corresponding commitment to consolidate the joint research framework. Both leaders agreed to establish a regular working arrangement to ensure sustained engagement and effective follow-up on shared priorities.
Global cooperation and AI governance
The bilateral meeting also touched on artificial intelligence governance. President Parmelin stressed the importance of ensuring that advances in AI benefit countries across the Global South, not only wealthy nations. India has been invited to participate in the upcoming Geneva AI Summit, reflecting shared interest in emerging technologies and issues of global significance.
What this means for you
Researchers and scientists in India working in quantum technology, biotechnology, space sciences and artificial intelligence may find expanded funding opportunities and collaboration pathways through Swiss institutions. Universities and research organisations in India can now engage with Swiss counterparts under formal institutional agreements rather than ad hoc project agreements.
Students interested in doctoral research or postdoctoral work may benefit from enhanced researcher mobility provisions under the new framework. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies in India involved in vaccine development or biotechnology innovation may gain access to Swiss expertise and collaborative opportunities.
What happens next
The two countries plan to establish a regular working arrangement to sustain engagement and ensure continued follow-up on bilateral science and technology initiatives. India is expected to make a commitment corresponding to Switzerland’s CHF 45 million investment to consolidate the partnership framework.