AMN/ WEB DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilateral discussions with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.
During the talks, they will review progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, mobility, culture, and people-to-people contact. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments, including cooperation in multilateral fora.
President Parmelin arrived in New Delhi this morning on a three-day state visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior officials and business leaders. He was received by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta at the airport.
The visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Swiss President. He was given a tri-services guard of honour.
Talking to reporters after the ceremonial welcome, Mr Parmelin said that the visit is an excellent opportunity to emphasise the importance that both Switzerland and India attach to this relationship.
He said, the relationship between the two countries is built on shared democratic values, as well as on trust and mutual respect. Swiss President said that his visit is a stepping stone towards further growth, deepening and strengthening of our close, broad and long-standing partnership.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today called on President Parmelin. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar appreciated President Parmelin’s sentiments towards deepening the India-Switzerland partnership, building on the promise of India – EFTA TEPA.
He expressed confidence that Mr Parmelin’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further engagement across a wide range of domains.
The visiting dignitary paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. President Parmelin will meet President Droupadi Murmu this evening. President Murmu will also host an official banquet in the honour of her Swiss Counterpart.