Swiss President Guy Parmelin has emphasised the shared commitment between Switzerland and India to ensuring artificial intelligence benefits all people and cultures, rather than a privileged few. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, ahead of the India AI summit, Parmelin said: "Switzerland and India share many values and the vision that AI should be accessible and should benefit every person and every culture, not just a few privileged ones"As Switzerland gears up to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, the president stressed building on previous gatherings, including the New Delhi summit. "As Switzerland prepares for the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, we want to build on the achievements of the summits held so far, in particular the summit in New Delhi"Parmelin also endorsed the need for diverse AI ecosystems. "Switzerland agrees with India that it is important for our societies and economies to not just be users of AI models built by others, but also to have ecosystems that allow us to develop the models and create the data ourselves"Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/galgotias-university-blames-professor-neha-singh-s-enthusiasm-of-being-on-camera-for-ai-robodog-row-1771467435745">Galgotias University blames professor Neha Singh's 'enthusiasm of being on camera' for AI robodog row</a><h2>Full interview:</h2>WION: On bilateral ties and TEPA: Switzerland and India have enjoyed strong relations for decades, culminating in the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA entering into force in October 2025, with commitments to $100 billion in investments and job creation. As President, how do you envision this agreement further strengthening economic cooperation between our two countries in the coming years?Guy Parmelin: With TEPA, we have laid the best possible foundation for further expanding our economic relations. Through tariff reductions, improved market access, and greater legal certainty, TEPA facilitates trade in goods and services and strengthens the framework conditions for businesses in both countries. In addition, we are currently negotiating a new bilateral investment protection agreement between Switzerland and India, which will further strengthen investor confidence. I am confident that, through these joint efforts, we will achieve and potentially even exceed the $100 billion investment target within the agreed timeframe.WION: On AI and the India AI Impact Summit: Switzerland has actively supported and collaborated on global AI governance, including a close partnership with India ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where you represented Switzerland. How can Switzerland and India build on AI corporations?Guy Parmelin: Switzerland and India share many values and the vision that AI should be accessible and should benefit every person and every culture – not just a few privileged ones. Both countries agree that AI governance should be inclusive and multicultural, and we also share a regulatory approach that is sector-driven. Technological change can transform entire sectors, and both countries recognise the need to foster innovation while ensuring responsible and safe use of AI. Moreover, Switzerland is committed to multilateralism and multi-stakeholder AI governance. To foster international cooperation and dialogue, we participate in various international fora and processes on AI governance. As Switzerland prepares for the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, we want to build on the achievements of the summits held so far, in particular the summit in New Delhi. We are committed to collaborating with all partners to make sure that everyone can benefit from the potential of AI, and that no one is left behind.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-rejects-us-claim-india-will-ditch-russian-oil-says-trump-trying-to-grab-right-to-dictate-to-independent-nations-1771464523183">Russia blasts US over India oil claim, slams Trump's attempt to dictate terms</a>WION: On sovereign AI models: Switzerland has advanced its own sovereign AI efforts, such as the multilingual Apertus model. In what ways does Switzerland see potential for collaboration with India on developing sovereign or open AI models that prioritise data privacy, ethical governance, and national priorities?Guy Parmelin: Switzerland agrees with India that it is important for our societies and economies to not just be users of AI models built by others, but also to have ecosystems that allow us to develop the models and create the data ourselves – and this goes for all cultures in our societies, and their languages. It is in this spirit that our universities created the Apertus model, which has been trained in over 1,000 languages. All elements of the Apertus production chain are openly accessible, so everything is transparent and traceable. Between India and Switzerland, there is already a vast and diverse ecosystem of cooperation, which will be further developed, not least because of the free trade agreement which was recently concluded.WION: On AI governance and global summits: With Switzerland planning to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, following the India-hosted event in 2026, how do you view the role of neutral platforms like Switzerland in bridging diverse perspectives on AI safety, inclusion, and regulation between the Global South and established tech powers? Guy Parmelin: Switzerland's unique value in global AI governance is rooted in the spirit of Geneva as a neutral platform for international dialogue and cooperation. This is underlined by Geneva's diverse, interdisciplinary and dynamic ecosystem of international institutions focused on issues ranging from technical to humanitarian. Switzerland wants to build on the achievements of the AI Summits held so far, in particular the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, and will collaborate with all partners to help ensure that everyone can benefit from the potential of AI, and that no one is left behind. We will build on the principles established at the Delhi summit: development of human capital; broadening access for social empowerment; trustworthiness of AI systems; energy efficiency of AI systems; use of AI in science; democratizing AI resources; and use of AI for economic growth and social good. To advance these principles, we will also build on several structures for voluntary cooperation, and work with stakeholders willing to give the summits a clearer and more sustainable, but still lightweight and efficient, working structure. Switzerland is also committed to passing the issues discussed here at the summit in New Delhi on to the various international organisations based in Geneva. One key vehicle for this is the annual AI for Good Summit in Geneva. This platform, co-hosted by Switzerland and organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 30+ partners, is an important platform for bringing the issues discussed here in New Delhi to the technical and capacity-building programmes of the relevant international organisations.WION: On India-Switzerland AI ties: Given the growing bilateral focus on research, innovation, and AI—evident in Switzerland's support for India's vision of safe, inclusive, and impactful AI—what specific areas of AI cooperation (such as multilingual models, ethical frameworks, or joint R&amp;D) do you see as most promising for deepening ties between our two nations in the near future.Guy Parmelin: In addition, Switzerland has been very active in many international fora that develop binding and non-binding technical, legal and ethical standards for developing and using AI. Switzerland wants to keep cooperating closely with India in all of these fields. Along with 55 other countries, Switzerland played a key role in the negotiation of the Council of Europe framework convention on AI – the first legally binding international treaty on AI. A legal instrument of global reach, it is also a framework for global cooperation on democracy, human rights and the rule of law when it comes to AI. With more and more countries from the global south, including Brazil, joining the process, we would like to encourage India to consider joining us, too. And we look forward to working with India to shape the upcoming UN dialogue on AI. &nbsp;

As Switzerland gears up to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, the president stressed building on previous gatherings, including the New Delhi summit. Read the full interview below.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin has emphasised the shared commitment between Switzerland and India to ensuring artificial intelligence benefits all people and cultures, rather than a privileged few. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, ahead of the India AI summit, Parmelin said: "Switzerland and India share many values and the vision that AI should be accessible and should benefit every person and every culture, not just a few privileged ones" As Switzerland gears up to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, the president stressed building on previous gatherings, including the New Delhi summit. "As Switzerland prepares for the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, we want to build on the achievements of the summits held so far, in particular the summit in New Delhi" Parmelin also endorsed the need for diverse AI ecosystems. "Switzerland agrees with India that it is important for our societies and economies to not just be users of AI models built by others, but also to have ecosystems that allow us to develop the models and create the data ourselves" Also read | Galgotias University blames professor Neha Singh's 'enthusiasm of being on camera' for AI robodog row Full interview: WION: On bilateral ties and TEPA: Switzerland and India have enjoyed strong relations for decades, culminating in the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA entering into force in October 2025, with commitments to $100 billion in investments and job creation. As President, how do you envision this agreement further strengthening economic cooperation between our two countries in the coming years? Guy Parmelin: With TEPA, we have laid the best possible foundation for further expanding our economic relations. Through tariff reductions, improved market access, and greater legal certainty, TEPA facilitates trade in goods and services and strengthens the framework conditions for businesses in both countries. In addition, we are currently negotiating a new bilateral investment protection agreement between Switzerland and India, which will further strengthen investor confidence. I am confident that, through these joint efforts, we will achieve and potentially even exceed the $100 billion investment target within the agreed timeframe. WION: On AI and the India AI Impact Summit: Switzerland has actively supported and collaborated on global AI governance, including a close partnership with India ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where you represented Switzerland. How can Switzerland and India build on AI corporations? Guy Parmelin: Switzerland and India share many values and the vision that AI should be accessible and should benefit every person and every culture – not just a few privileged ones. Both countries agree that AI governance should be inclusive and multicultural, and we also share a regulatory approach that is sector-driven. Technological change can transform entire sectors, and both countries recognise the need to foster innovation while ensuring responsible and safe use of AI. Moreover, Switzerland is committed to multilateralism and multi-stakeholder AI governance. To foster international cooperation and dialogue, we participate in various international fora and processes on AI governance. As Switzerland prepares for the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, we want to build on the achievements of the summits held so far, in particular the summit in New Delhi. We are committed to collaborating with all partners to make sure that everyone can benefit from the potential of AI, and that no one is left behind. Also read | Russia blasts US over India oil claim, slams Trump's attempt to dictate terms WION: On sovereign AI models: Switzerland has advanced its own sovereign AI efforts, such as the multilingual Apertus model. In what ways does Switzerland see potential for collaboration with India on developing sovereign or open AI models that prioritise data privacy, ethical governance, and national priorities? Guy Parmelin: Switzerland agrees with India that it is important for our societies and economies to not just be users of AI models built by others, but also to have ecosystems that allow us to develop the models and create the data ourselves – and this goes for all cultures in our societies, and their languages. It is in this spirit that our universities created the Apertus model, which has been trained in over 1,000 languages. All elements of the Apertus production chain are openly accessible, so everything is transparent and traceable. Between India and Switzerland, there is already a vast and diverse ecosystem of cooperation, which will be further developed, not least because of the free trade agreement which was recently concluded. WION: On AI governance and global summits: With Switzerland planning to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, following the India-hosted event in 2026, how do you view the role of neutral platforms like Switzerland in bridging diverse perspectives on AI safety, inclusion, and regulation between the Global South and established tech powers? Guy Parmelin: Switzerland's unique value in global AI governance is rooted in the spirit of Geneva as a neutral platform for international dialogue and cooperation. This is underlined by Geneva's diverse, interdisciplinary and dynamic ecosystem of international institutions focused on issues ranging from technical to humanitarian. Switzerland wants to build on the achievements of the AI Summits held so far, in particular the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, and will collaborate with all partners to help ensure that everyone can benefit from the potential of AI, and that no one is left behind. We will build on the principles established at the Delhi summit: development of human capital; broadening access for social empowerment; trustworthiness of AI systems; energy efficiency of AI systems; use of AI in science; democratizing AI resources; and use of AI for economic growth and social good. To advance these principles, we will also build on several structures for voluntary cooperation, and work with stakeholders willing to give the summits a clearer and more sustainable, but still lightweight and efficient, working structure. Switzerland is also committed to passing the issues discussed here at the summit in New Delhi on to the various international organisations based in Geneva. One key vehicle for this is the annual AI for Good Summit in Geneva. This platform, co-hosted by Switzerland and organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 30+ partners, is an important platform for bringing the issues discussed here in New Delhi to the technical and capacity-building programmes of the relevant international organisations. WION: On India-Switzerland AI ties: Given the growing bilateral focus on research, innovation, and AI—evident in Switzerland's support for India's vision of safe, inclusive, and impactful AI—what specific areas of AI cooperation (such as multilingual models, ethical frameworks, or joint R&D) do you see as most promising for deepening ties between our two nations in the near future. Guy Parmelin: In addition, Switzerland has been very active in many international fora that develop binding and non-binding technical, legal and ethical standards for developing and using AI. Switzerland wants to keep cooperating closely with India in all of these fields. Along with 55 other countries, Switzerland played a key role in the negotiation of the Council of Europe framework convention on AI – the first legally binding international treaty on AI. A legal instrument of global reach, it is also a framework for global cooperation on democracy, human rights and the rule of law when it comes to AI. With more and more countries from the global south, including Brazil, joining the process, we would like to encourage India to consider joining us, too. And we look forward to working with India to shape the upcoming UN dialogue on AI.

As Switzerland gears up to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, the president stressed building on previous gatherings, including the New Delhi summit. Read the full interview below.

Swiss President Parmelin backs India's push to democratise AI for all nations

India sharply rebuked Switzerland at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday (September 10), dismissing Swiss criticism of its minority rights and media freedoms as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed. Indian diplomat at India's permanent mission in Geneva, Kshitij Tyagi said that "Switzerland should avoid wasting the Council’s time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India".&nbsp;The Indian diplomat offered to help the country to deal with issues like racism. He pointed out that the European country "should focus on its own challenges such as racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia" and as the "world’s largest, most diverse, and vibrant democracy with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hold-talks-with-italian-counterpart-meloni-discuss-ukraine-war-push-for-india-eu-trade-pact-1757515762164">PM Modi hold talks with Italian counterpart Meloni; discuss Ukraine war, push for India-EU trade pact</a>&nbsp;Switzerland Diplomat Michael Meier had earlier said that they call on the Indian government to take "effective measures to protect minorities and to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the media". The diplomat clubbed India, with Serbia, Turkiye and Syria.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-recycled-falsehood-india-slams-pakistan-at-unhrc-rips-apart-its-stale-propaganda-on-kashmir-1757509764180">'Recycled falsehood': India slams Pakistan at UNHRC, rips apart its 'stale propaganda' on Kashmir</a>&nbsp;The Swiss comments come just ahead of implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade agreement. The agreement is between &nbsp;India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein and aims to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, with a focus on mutual market access and sustainable development. TEPA eliminates or reduces tariffs on 92.2% of EFTA’s tariff lines and 99.6% of India’s, covering 98% of India’s exports to EFTA.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gen-z-movement-hijacked-nepal-youth-disassociates-itself-from-violence-and-vandalism-1757512767877">‘Gen Z movement hijacked’: Nepal youth disassociates itself from violence and vandalism</a>

India offers help to Switzerland on racism; rejects claims on minorities

India sharply rebuked Switzerland at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday (September 10), dismissing Swiss criticism of its minority rights and media freedoms as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed. Indian diplomat at India's permanent mission in Geneva, Kshitij Tyagi said that "Switzerland should avoid wasting the Council’s time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India". The Indian diplomat offered to help the country to deal with issues like racism. He pointed out that the European country "should focus on its own challenges such as racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia" and as the "world’s largest, most diverse, and vibrant democracy with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns". Also Read: PM Modi hold talks with Italian counterpart Meloni; discuss Ukraine war, push for India-EU trade pact Switzerland Diplomat Michael Meier had earlier said that they call on the Indian government to take "effective measures to protect minorities and to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the media". The diplomat clubbed India, with Serbia, Turkiye and Syria. Also Read: 'Recycled falsehood': India slams Pakistan at UNHRC, rips apart its 'stale propaganda' on Kashmir The Swiss comments come just ahead of implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade agreement. The agreement is between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein and aims to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, with a focus on mutual market access and sustainable development. TEPA eliminates or reduces tariffs on 92.2% of EFTA’s tariff lines and 99.6% of India’s, covering 98% of India’s exports to EFTA. Also Read: ‘Gen Z movement hijacked’: Nepal youth disassociates itself from violence and vandalism

The Swiss comments come just ahead of implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade agreement

Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alexandre Fasel, has said that his country is in the process of ratifying the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade pact between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries&mdash;Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Speaking to WION&rsquo;s Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, the top Swiss diplomat said, &ldquo;It is a very important agreement that has been signed. It is now in the process of ratification in Switzerland... we hope in the latter part of the year, or at the very latest, at the beginning of next year that this treaty can enter into force.&rdquo;
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The pact aims to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and promote investments between the regions. Under the pact, EFTA countries have committed to invest $100 billion in India over 15 years, with $50 billion expected within the first 10 years and another $50 billion in the next 5 years. India is Switzerland&rsquo;s fourth largest trading partner in Asia and the largest in South Asia.
When asked about India&rsquo;s role in supporting peace when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Swiss diplomat said, &ldquo;India is a very important player geopolitically, as Prime Minister Modi said, India has the ambition to resonate the voice of the global south in many different questions geopolitically, and certainly in this one as well. And India has been involved in all the discussions and processes that have led to the first peace conference in Switzerland, so yes, India is much involved in all those conversations.&rdquo; Last year, Switzerland hosted the Peace Summit for Ukraine, which saw representations from 92 countries, including India. The main objective of the summit was to discuss elements of Ukraine&rsquo;s 10-point peace formula, focusing on nuclear safety and food security.
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The Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alexandre Fasel, was in Delhi for foreign office consultations with his Indian counterpart, secretary west, Tanmay Lal. The talks focused on the situation in South Asia and Ukraine, multilateralism, Switzerland&rsquo;s experience in the Security Council, and Switzerland&rsquo;s work in the Human Rights Council.
Sidhant Sibal: What was your key focus during your India visit? Alexandre Fasel: That was the annual political consultations we have amongst foreign ministries, and I came to meet my colleague, Secretary West, Tanmay Lal. And this was a very wide-ranging conversation. Traditionally, in that type of consultation, you discuss bilateral matters but also multilateral matters, global issues, and regional questions of a geopolitical and geostrategic order. So it was a very comprehensive, wide-ranging exchange, very fruitful and stimulating indeed.
Sidhant Sibal: How can Switzerland help India in terms of sustainability? Alexandre Fasel: We are indeed focusing on sustainability in our activities here in India, together with the authorities, the private sector, and also the academic sector of India. We&rsquo;re doing very different things, many different things. One is a public diplomacy programme we are launching, which we call sustainability with a plus, where we try to bring together the actors in the service of sustainability, it is indeed a challenge to keep the sustainability agenda on track and to capitalize on this shared sense of purpose we have amongst our two countries and the capabilities our actors, academic, political, and business from our two countries, can bring together to further the course of sustainability.
Sidhant Sibal: Any update on TEPA pact, especially on ratification. Switzerland removed MFN status for India, any details? Alexandre Fasel: TEPA pact is a really big, quantum leap in our relationship. The Free Trade Agreement between India and the EFTA countries, that will condition our bilateral relationship for at least 15 years to come. There will be a huge influx of investment from those European countries, and certainly Switzerland, into India. There will be a very considerable job creation by Switzerland and the other European partners of EFTA in India. So it is a very important agreement that has been signed. It is now in the process of ratification in Switzerland. As you know, Switzerland&rsquo;s parliament is a bicameral system. So in the first chamber, the agreement was already passed, and it should pass in the second chamber now in the spring session in March, then there is a delay to see whether we have a referendum in Switzerland, every international agreement, every law, is subject to a referendum. So we need to see whether there will be a referendum or not. And then we hope in the latter part of the year, or at the very latest, at the beginning of next year that this treaty can enter into force, which will then really be a new dawning in our already very close and fruitful relationship. And the question you refer to about the most favoured nation (MFN) clause has nothing to do with TEPA. So, this free trade treaty will develop and deploy its effect. And this question is a question of fiscality and is entirely unrelated to it. And it&rsquo;s not a withdrawal of the most favoured nation clauses through Switzerland. It is Switzerland&rsquo;s adapting to the Indian reading of what the most favourite nation clause in this particular context.
Sidhant Sibal: So when it comes to India and Switzerland, focus has been also on innovation, on startups and perhaps AI. How both countries are collaborating on these three areas, something that has been quite emerging. How Switzerland can help in these three areas. Alexandre Fasel: We are partners in that domain as well. When it comes to science, to technology, emerging technology that are rooted in cutting-edge science, emerging science, then it is important that, as an international community, we come together, we capitalize on the capabilities our scientists and researchers have to make sense of what science and technology will allow us to do as an international community, and use those progresses in science and technology for the global commons and for a good and equitable development. And that is a domain we&rsquo;re working closely on. I can name one example. We call it GESDA. That means Geneva, Science and Diplomacy Anticipated. This was created in Geneva to capture emerging science and accelerate the conversation of states, business, scientists, and civil society around those questions. They have an annual summit on a ministerial level, in which India participated through its chief scientific adviser of the ministry last October. So that is a concrete example of us coming together to do the right thing.
Sidhant Sibal: And where do you see India&rsquo;s role in terms of the Ukraine situation? Do you see India playing some role now? Because it looks like the situation is towards its last leg. In terms of the war which is underway. Alexandre Fasel: We will see whether it is the last leg, I fear it will be a very long process. So we certainly need all the energies and goodwill of all the nations who can contribute, and certainly of India. India is a very important player geopolitically, as Prime Minister Modi said, India has the ambition to resonate the voice of the global south in many different questions geopolitically, and certainly in this one as well. And India has been involved in all the discussions and processes that have led to the first peace conference in Switzerland, so yes, India is much involved in all those conversations.

World | India News: Under the pact, EFTA countries have committed to invest $100 billion in India over 15 years, with $50 billion expected within the first 10 years and another $50 billion in the next 5 years.

Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alexandre Fasel, has said that his country is in the process of ratifying the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade pact between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal in Delhi, the top Swiss diplomat said, “It is a very important agreement that has been signed. It is now in the process of ratification in Switzerland... we hope in the latter part of the year, or at the very latest, at the beginning of next year that this treaty can enter into force.” Also read | Trump 'okay' with Putin's demand to keep Ukraine out of NATO The pact aims to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and promote investments between the regions. Under the pact, EFTA countries have committed to invest $100 billion in India over 15 years, with $50 billion expected within the first 10 years and another $50 billion in the next 5 years. India is Switzerland’s fourth largest trading partner in Asia and the largest in South Asia. When asked about India’s role in supporting peace when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Swiss diplomat said, “India is a very important player geopolitically, as Prime Minister Modi said, India has the ambition to resonate the voice of the global south in many different questions geopolitically, and certainly in this one as well. And India has been involved in all the discussions and processes that have led to the first peace conference in Switzerland, so yes, India is much involved in all those conversations.” Last year, Switzerland hosted the Peace Summit for Ukraine, which saw representations from 92 countries, including India. The main objective of the summit was to discuss elements of Ukraine’s 10-point peace formula, focusing on nuclear safety and food security. Also read | India signs key pact with Panama for Quick Impact Projects The Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alexandre Fasel, was in Delhi for foreign office consultations with his Indian counterpart, secretary west, Tanmay Lal. The talks focused on the situation in South Asia and Ukraine, multilateralism, Switzerland’s experience in the Security Council, and Switzerland’s work in the Human Rights Council. Sidhant Sibal: What was your key focus during your India visit? Alexandre Fasel: That was the annual political consultations we have amongst foreign ministries, and I came to meet my colleague, Secretary West, Tanmay Lal. And this was a very wide-ranging conversation. Traditionally, in that type of consultation, you discuss bilateral matters but also multilateral matters, global issues, and regional questions of a geopolitical and geostrategic order. So it was a very comprehensive, wide-ranging exchange, very fruitful and stimulating indeed. Sidhant Sibal: How can Switzerland help India in terms of sustainability? Alexandre Fasel: We are indeed focusing on sustainability in our activities here in India, together with the authorities, the private sector, and also the academic sector of India. We’re doing very different things, many different things. One is a public diplomacy programme we are launching, which we call sustainability with a plus, where we try to bring together the actors in the service of sustainability, it is indeed a challenge to keep the sustainability agenda on track and to capitalize on this shared sense of purpose we have amongst our two countries and the capabilities our actors, academic, political, and business from our two countries, can bring together to further the course of sustainability. Sidhant Sibal: Any update on TEPA pact, especially on ratification. Switzerland removed MFN status for India, any details? Alexandre Fasel: TEPA pact is a really big, quantum leap in our relationship. The Free Trade Agreement between India and the EFTA countries, that will condition our bilateral relationship for at least 15 years to come. There will be a huge influx of investment from those European countries, and certainly Switzerland, into India. There will be a very considerable job creation by Switzerland and the other European partners of EFTA in India. So it is a very important agreement that has been signed. It is now in the process of ratification in Switzerland. As you know, Switzerland’s parliament is a bicameral system. So in the first chamber, the agreement was already passed, and it should pass in the second chamber now in the spring session in March, then there is a delay to see whether we have a referendum in Switzerland, every international agreement, every law, is subject to a referendum. So we need to see whether there will be a referendum or not. And then we hope in the latter part of the year, or at the very latest, at the beginning of next year that this treaty can enter into force, which will then really be a new dawning in our already very close and fruitful relationship. And the question you refer to about the most favoured nation (MFN) clause has nothing to do with TEPA. So, this free trade treaty will develop and deploy its effect. And this question is a question of fiscality and is entirely unrelated to it. And it’s not a withdrawal of the most favoured nation clauses through Switzerland. It is Switzerland’s adapting to the Indian reading of what the most favourite nation clause in this particular context. Sidhant Sibal: So when it comes to India and Switzerland, focus has been also on innovation, on startups and perhaps AI. How both countries are collaborating on these three areas, something that has been quite emerging. How Switzerland can help in these three areas. Alexandre Fasel: We are partners in that domain as well. When it comes to science, to technology, emerging technology that are rooted in cutting-edge science, emerging science, then it is important that, as an international community, we come together, we capitalize on the capabilities our scientists and researchers have to make sense of what science and technology will allow us to do as an international community, and use those progresses in science and technology for the global commons and for a good and equitable development. And that is a domain we’re working closely on. I can name one example. We call it GESDA. That means Geneva, Science and Diplomacy Anticipated. This was created in Geneva to capture emerging science and accelerate the conversation of states, business, scientists, and civil society around those questions. They have an annual summit on a ministerial level, in which India participated through its chief scientific adviser of the ministry last October. So that is a concrete example of us coming together to do the right thing. Sidhant Sibal: And where do you see India’s role in terms of the Ukraine situation? Do you see India playing some role now? Because it looks like the situation is towards its last leg. In terms of the war which is underway. Alexandre Fasel: We will see whether it is the last leg, I fear it will be a very long process. So we certainly need all the energies and goodwill of all the nations who can contribute, and certainly of India. India is a very important player geopolitically, as Prime Minister Modi said, India has the ambition to resonate the voice of the global south in many different questions geopolitically, and certainly in this one as well. And India has been involved in all the discussions and processes that have led to the first peace conference in Switzerland, so yes, India is much involved in all those conversations.

Switzerland says ratification of key trade pact with India under process

India will get this month the third set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under an automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland and this will include for the first time the data about real estate properties owned by Indians there, officials said.

Marking a key milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, India will get this month the complete information on flats, apartments and condominiums owned by Indians in Switzerland as also on earnings made from such properties to help it look into tax liabilities associated with those assets.

The move assumes significance on the part of Switzerland as well as the European Alpine nation is trying hard to reposition itself as a key global financial centre while warding off the long-persisting perception about the Swiss banking system being an alleged safe haven for black money.

While it would be the third time that India will get details about bank accounts and other financial assets held by Indians in Switzerland, it will be the first time that the information being shared with India would include information about the real estate assets.

While the Swiss government has agreed to share details of real estate assets, the information about contributions to non-profit organisations and other such foundations, as also details on investments in digital currencies still remain out of bounds from the automatic exchange of information framework, officials said.

Experts and those engaged in the business of attracting investments to Switzerland said the move would help clear misconceptions about all fund inflows into Swiss assets being illicit and would go a long way in establishing Switzerland as a preferred investment destination, including for real estate properties.

India had received the first set of details from Switzerland under AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) in September 2019. It was among 75 countries to get such information that year.

In September 2020, India received the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities, along with 85 other recipient countries with whom Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) exchanged information on financial accounts within the framework of global standards on AEOI last year.

From this year, Switzerland's Federal Council, the country's top governing body, has decided to implement a key recommendation of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, under which Swiss authorities will also share details about investments made by foreigners in the Swiss real estate sector.

However, some other recommendations of the Global Forum, including about sharing of information on digital currency accounts and contributions made to foundations and non-profit organisations are yet to be accepted and therefore those details would not be shared by Switzerland with India or any other countries for now.

Hectic lobbying is underway globally to convince Switzerland to start sharing information about digital currency accounts and contributions made to non-profit entities as well.

In each of the last two years, Switzerland has shared details about nearly three million financial accounts with various jurisdictions, while the count is expected to be higher this year.

For the last two years, India has been among prominent countries with which Switzerland has shared details about financial accounts of clients of Swiss banks and various other financial institutions, while it is also expected to figure high this year with regard to details about real estate properties.

Resident and non-resident Indians, as well as Indian companies, would account for a sizeable number in the overall list of those figuring in this year's exchange of information by Switzerland, officials privy to the development said.

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India will get this month the third set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under an automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland and this will include for the first time the data about real estate properties owned by Indians there, officials said.

India will get this month the third set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals under an automatic exchange of information pact with Switzerland and this will include for the first time the data about real estate properties owned by Indians there, officials said. Marking a key milestone in the Indian government's fight against black money allegedly stashed abroad, India will get this month the complete information on flats, apartments and condominiums owned by Indians in Switzerland as also on earnings made from such properties to help it look into tax liabilities associated with those assets. The move assumes significance on the part of Switzerland as well as the European Alpine nation is trying hard to reposition itself as a key global financial centre while warding off the long-persisting perception about the Swiss banking system being an alleged safe haven for black money. While it would be the third time that India will get details about bank accounts and other financial assets held by Indians in Switzerland, it will be the first time that the information being shared with India would include information about the real estate assets. While the Swiss government has agreed to share details of real estate assets, the information about contributions to non-profit organisations and other such foundations, as also details on investments in digital currencies still remain out of bounds from the automatic exchange of information framework, officials said. Experts and those engaged in the business of attracting investments to Switzerland said the move would help clear misconceptions about all fund inflows into Swiss assets being illicit and would go a long way in establishing Switzerland as a preferred investment destination, including for real estate properties. India had received the first set of details from Switzerland under AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information) in September 2019. It was among 75 countries to get such information that year. In September 2020, India received the second set of Swiss bank account details of its nationals and entities, along with 85 other recipient countries with whom Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) exchanged information on financial accounts within the framework of global standards on AEOI last year. From this year, Switzerland's Federal Council, the country's top governing body, has decided to implement a key recommendation of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, under which Swiss authorities will also share details about investments made by foreigners in the Swiss real estate sector. However, some other recommendations of the Global Forum, including about sharing of information on digital currency accounts and contributions made to foundations and non-profit organisations are yet to be accepted and therefore those details would not be shared by Switzerland with India or any other countries for now. Hectic lobbying is underway globally to convince Switzerland to start sharing information about digital currency accounts and contributions made to non-profit entities as well. In each of the last two years, Switzerland has shared details about nearly three million financial accounts with various jurisdictions, while the count is expected to be higher this year. For the last two years, India has been among prominent countries with which Switzerland has shared details about financial accounts of clients of Swiss banks and various other financial institutions, while it is also expected to figure high this year with regard to details about real estate properties. Resident and non-resident Indians, as well as Indian companies, would account for a sizeable number in the overall list of those figuring in this year's exchange of information by Switzerland, officials privy to the development said.

Switzerland to share information on real estate assets owned by Indian nationals