New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Swiss President Guy Parmelin three award-winning Indian cheeses during the Swiss leader’s first state visit to India, a gesture that placed India’s emerging dairy craft alongside a country long associated with cheese.&nbsp;Parmelin arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit at the Indian PM’s invitation. It is his second trip to India this year; he attended the AI Impact Summit in the capital in February. The two leaders held bilateral talks and signed agreements covering transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cheeses—Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor—officials say show a glimpse of India’s growing cheese-making tradition. Gulmarg is a heart-shaped, French-style Brie made from pasteurised cow milk. It has a snowy-white rind and earthy, mushroom-like notes, and received a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-remains-a-critical-economic-and-strategic-partner-for-india-jaishankar-1791218082943">‘US remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India’: Jaishankar</a>&nbsp;Konark follows the French Tomme style—a rustic, natural-rind cheese with a supple texture, savoury flavours and a lemony finish. It won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and silver in Switzerland in 2025.&nbsp;Yeoor is an Alpine-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyère, matured for about eight to nine months. Its makers say the ageing produces nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavours. The rind is decorated with rose petals and fennel, and the cheese is described as suitable for fondue and grilling.&nbsp;Switzerland is home to more than 450 recognised cheese varieties. Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ll-settle-score-with-everyone-involved-in-oct-7-attack-says-netanyahu-at-memorial-1791209583749">‘We’ll settle score with everyone involved in Oct. 7 attack,’ says Netanyahu at memorial</a>&nbsp;The Indian PM also gave the president a hand-carved wall panel in Himalayan walnut wood from Kashmir. The deep-relief carving depicts landscapes, flora, human figures, horses, carriages and village scenes, drawing on a craft tradition shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences.&nbsp;The president’s wife, Caroline, received a handwoven Kutchi shawl presented in a Sadeli box from Surat. The shawl, from Kutch in Gujarat, is known for geometric motifs and supplementary-weft weaving; the box is assembled from precisely layered contrasting materials in traditional geometric patterns. India’s gift diplomacy often pairs regional crafts with food.

Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Swiss President Guy Parmelin three award-winning Indian cheeses during the Swiss leader’s first state visit to India, a gesture that placed India’s emerging dairy craft alongside a country long associated with cheese. Parmelin arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit at the Indian PM’s invitation. It is his second trip to India this year; he attended the AI Impact Summit in the capital in February. The two leaders held bilateral talks and signed agreements covering transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure. The cheeses—Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor—officials say show a glimpse of India’s growing cheese-making tradition. Gulmarg is a heart-shaped, French-style Brie made from pasteurised cow milk. It has a snowy-white rind and earthy, mushroom-like notes, and received a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil. Also Read: ‘US remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India’: Jaishankar Konark follows the French Tomme style—a rustic, natural-rind cheese with a supple texture, savoury flavours and a lemony finish. It won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and silver in Switzerland in 2025. Yeoor is an Alpine-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyère, matured for about eight to nine months. Its makers say the ageing produces nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavours. The rind is decorated with rose petals and fennel, and the cheese is described as suitable for fondue and grilling. Switzerland is home to more than 450 recognised cheese varieties. Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy. Also Read: ‘We’ll settle score with everyone involved in Oct. 7 attack,’ says Netanyahu at memorial The Indian PM also gave the president a hand-carved wall panel in Himalayan walnut wood from Kashmir. The deep-relief carving depicts landscapes, flora, human figures, horses, carriages and village scenes, drawing on a craft tradition shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences. The president’s wife, Caroline, received a handwoven Kutchi shawl presented in a Sadeli box from Surat. The shawl, from Kutch in Gujarat, is known for geometric motifs and supplementary-weft weaving; the box is assembled from precisely layered contrasting materials in traditional geometric patterns. India’s gift diplomacy often pairs regional crafts with food.

Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy.

PM Modi gifts Swiss president made-in-India cheese

Switzerland expects its new trade pact with India to lift investment and commerce, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has said, as the two countries also prepare to cooperate on successive global AI summits and deepen mobility links. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been in force since October 2025.Parmelin, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, said that Swiss firms had already made or were planning investments in transport and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. “I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come,” he said.He described India as a key partner for the global AI summit Switzerland will host in Geneva in 2027, following India’s AI Impact Summit in 2026. Priorities were “closely aligned,” he said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Switzerland wanted continuity between the events.<h2>Full interview</h2>Sidhant Sibal: How has the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, in force since October 2025, changed the commercial relationship between Switzerland and India?Guy Parmelin: The relationship between our two nations is moving from strength to strength. According to information available to us since the entry into force of the TEPA, Swiss companies have made or are planning investments in a wide range of sectors, including transportation and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come.Sidhant Sibal: Why did Switzerland choose to host the next global AI summit in Geneva in 2027, and how will India be involved?Guy Parmelin: India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit 2026 has been of great importance to Switzerland. My meeting with Prime Minister Modi confirmed that our priorities are closely aligned. As we prepare to host the next summit in Geneva in 2027, India is a key partner for us. We are committed to ensuring continuity between the two summits and beyond. India has demonstrated exceptional leadership in amplifying the voices of those who are underrepresented in global technology discussions, particularly those from the Global South. Switzerland will build on this, for example through the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN), which promotes an equitable distribution of technological benefits and fosters knowledge sharing and AI research across all regions. We are currently refining the thematic focus of the Summit and exploring how cooperation with key partners could be structured. I look forward to India’s participation in Geneva.Sidhant Sibal: How can Switzerland and India deepen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation?Guy Parmelin: More than 450 Indian students are currently enrolled at the two federal technological universities (ETH Zurich and EPFL). Furthermore, ETH Zurich currently employs 6 Professors and over 200 research assistants of Indian nationality.One instrument of international cooperation in research is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. These very competitive scholarships help build lasting scientific relationships between our countries.Swiss universities and research institutions maintain a range of partnerships with Indian universities and research organisations. Such collaborations are generally initiated and developed directly by the institutions concerned, in line with their respective priorities and areas of expertise. The Agreement between Switzerland and the Republic of India on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (2003) certainly provides a good framework for this cooperation.Sidhant Sibal: What role should talent mobility and education linkages play in the next phase of India–Switzerland relations?Guy Parmelin: I am excited to share that Switzerland and India have just concluded two agreements in the field of migration this month: the Migration and Mobility Partnership and the Young Professionals Agreement. These agreements mark an important milestone in our bilateral cooperation and reflect our shared commitment to a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to migration. They facilitate legal migration and mobility while strengthening cooperation on return and readmission. Switzerland has a well-established and nuanced work permit system, and work permits for Indian nationals are regulated separately from the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Nevertheless, the significant number of Indian professionals coming to Switzerland each year – around 1,500 to 1,900 work permits are issued to Indian nationals annually – reflects the strong and growing people-to-people links between our two countries. Today, around 19,000 Indian nationals live in Switzerland, making an important contribution to our societies, economies and bilateral relations.Sidhant Sibal: Looking ahead from 2026, what would a successful elevation of the India–Switzerland partnership look like in your view?Guy Parmelin: For me, success would be when people actually feel this partnership in their everyday lives, whether that is in business, in research or in the classroom. The EFTA-India agreement gives us a great framework, and now the real work is using it well. That means more Swiss companies investing in India, more Indian companies finding opportunities in Switzerland, and real jobs created on both sides. But it goes beyond trade. Switzerland and India complement each other in a lot of ways. We bring precision, research strength and a long tradition of vocational training, and India brings scale, talent and a real energy for innovation. So I would love to see our universities, start-ups and research institutions working much more closely together. And finally, I would like us to speak with a shared voice internationally. We both believe in technology that works for everyone. If we can team up on responsible AI, building on the summit in New Delhi and the one we are hosting in Geneva in 2027, then this partnership will be doing something that matters well beyond our two countries.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin says the India-EFTA trade pact will boost bilateral trade, investment and business ties while deepening cooperation on AI and mobility.

Switzerland expects its new trade pact with India to lift investment and commerce, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has said, as the two countries also prepare to cooperate on successive global AI summits and deepen mobility links. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been in force since October 2025. Parmelin, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, said that Swiss firms had already made or were planning investments in transport and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. “I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come,” he said. He described India as a key partner for the global AI summit Switzerland will host in Geneva in 2027, following India’s AI Impact Summit in 2026. Priorities were “closely aligned,” he said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Switzerland wanted continuity between the events. Full interview Sidhant Sibal: How has the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, in force since October 2025, changed the commercial relationship between Switzerland and India? Guy Parmelin: The relationship between our two nations is moving from strength to strength. According to information available to us since the entry into force of the TEPA, Swiss companies have made or are planning investments in a wide range of sectors, including transportation and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come. Sidhant Sibal: Why did Switzerland choose to host the next global AI summit in Geneva in 2027, and how will India be involved? Guy Parmelin: India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit 2026 has been of great importance to Switzerland. My meeting with Prime Minister Modi confirmed that our priorities are closely aligned. As we prepare to host the next summit in Geneva in 2027, India is a key partner for us. We are committed to ensuring continuity between the two summits and beyond. India has demonstrated exceptional leadership in amplifying the voices of those who are underrepresented in global technology discussions, particularly those from the Global South. Switzerland will build on this, for example through the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN), which promotes an equitable distribution of technological benefits and fosters knowledge sharing and AI research across all regions. We are currently refining the thematic focus of the Summit and exploring how cooperation with key partners could be structured. I look forward to India’s participation in Geneva. Sidhant Sibal: How can Switzerland and India deepen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation? Guy Parmelin: More than 450 Indian students are currently enrolled at the two federal technological universities (ETH Zurich and EPFL). Furthermore, ETH Zurich currently employs 6 Professors and over 200 research assistants of Indian nationality. One instrument of international cooperation in research is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. These very competitive scholarships help build lasting scientific relationships between our countries. Swiss universities and research institutions maintain a range of partnerships with Indian universities and research organisations. Such collaborations are generally initiated and developed directly by the institutions concerned, in line with their respective priorities and areas of expertise. The Agreement between Switzerland and the Republic of India on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (2003) certainly provides a good framework for this cooperation. Sidhant Sibal: What role should talent mobility and education linkages play in the next phase of India–Switzerland relations? Guy Parmelin: I am excited to share that Switzerland and India have just concluded two agreements in the field of migration this month: the Migration and Mobility Partnership and the Young Professionals Agreement. These agreements mark an important milestone in our bilateral cooperation and reflect our shared commitment to a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to migration. They facilitate legal migration and mobility while strengthening cooperation on return and readmission. Switzerland has a well-established and nuanced work permit system, and work permits for Indian nationals are regulated separately from the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Nevertheless, the significant number of Indian professionals coming to Switzerland each year – around 1,500 to 1,900 work permits are issued to Indian nationals annually – reflects the strong and growing people-to-people links between our two countries. Today, around 19,000 Indian nationals live in Switzerland, making an important contribution to our societies, economies and bilateral relations. Sidhant Sibal: Looking ahead from 2026, what would a successful elevation of the India–Switzerland partnership look like in your view? Guy Parmelin: For me, success would be when people actually feel this partnership in their everyday lives, whether that is in business, in research or in the classroom. The EFTA-India agreement gives us a great framework, and now the real work is using it well. That means more Swiss companies investing in India, more Indian companies finding opportunities in Switzerland, and real jobs created on both sides. But it goes beyond trade. Switzerland and India complement each other in a lot of ways. We bring precision, research strength and a long tradition of vocational training, and India brings scale, talent and a real energy for innovation. So I would love to see our universities, start-ups and research institutions working much more closely together. And finally, I would like us to speak with a shared voice internationally. We both believe in technology that works for everyone. If we can team up on responsible AI, building on the summit in New Delhi and the one we are hosting in Geneva in 2027, then this partnership will be doing something that matters well beyond our two countries.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin says the India-EFTA trade pact will boost bilateral trade, investment and business ties while deepening cooperation on AI and mobility.

Switzerland expects India trade pact to deliver a significant boost to bilateral commerce, President Guy Parmelin says

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

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PM Modi gifts Swiss president made-in-India cheese

Switzerland expects India trade pact to deliver boost to bilateral commerce

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