Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral discussions with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi during the latter’s three day state visit to India.

The talks are expected to cover progress in bilateral cooperation across several areas, including trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, mobility, culture and people to people ties. The two leaders will also discuss regional and global developments and cooperation through multilateral platforms.

President Parmelin arrived in New Delhi this morning with a high level delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta received him at the airport. He was later given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a tri services guard of honour.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, President Parmelin said the visit provides an opportunity to highlight the importance Switzerland and India attach to their bilateral relationship. He said the partnership is based on shared democratic values, trust and mutual respect, and described the visit as a step towards further developing and strengthening the long standing relationship between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also met President Parmelin. Jaishankar welcomed his commitment to strengthening the India Switzerland partnership and highlighted the potential of the India EFTA TEPA. He expressed confidence that the meeting between President Parmelin and Prime Minister Modi would further cooperation across various areas.

During his visit, President Parmelin also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu this evening, after which President Murmu will host an official banquet in his honour.