A delegation from the Council of States Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC-S), led by Committee president, Council of States member Pirmin Bischof, visited India from 27 November to 1 December. This was the first ever visit to India by a delegation from the FAC-S. The visit marked the 75th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between Switzerland and India and followed intensive negotiations on a free trade agreement. In this context, the delegation met with representatives from Swiss companies operating in India as well as with Indian companies operating in Switzerland. The highlight of the trip was a positive, in-depth and constructive dialogue with the Minister of Commerce, Piyush Goyal.

Switzerland and India maintain close ties. As Switzerland's fourth-largest trading partner in Asia - and the largest in South Asia - India is an important economic partner. Negotiations are currently under way to conclude a free trade agreement between the two countries. The delegation used its first visit to India to gain an impression of the progress of the negotiations and to minimise obstacles wherever possible. It therefore met with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi for an in-depth exchange. During the very friendly talks, both sides reaffirmed their desire to bring negotiations to a swift conclusion. The Indian side was very pleased with the parliamentary support for the project from Switzerland.

In Mumbai, the delegation deepened economic relations between Switzerland and India in talks with representatives of the Swiss tech industry and Indian investors in Switzerland. It was recognised that a free trade agreement would make a significant contribution to strengthening the Swiss-Indian economic corridor. Such a corridor should enable stakeholders from both countries to increase trust and prosperity. A meeting with representatives from Swiss pharmaceutical companies was also scheduled.

The delegation also visited branches of Swiss companies operating in India. At Sulzer Pumps India, for example, they visited a plant for the maintenance of centrifugal pumps and rotating machinery. The delegation also visited Belimo, the global market leader in the development, manufacture and sale of field devices for the energy-efficient control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

This was followed by a meeting with representatives of Indian civil society. This shed light on India's domestic political and civil society issues.

Each year, the Foreign Affairs Committees send a delegation abroad on a fact-finding trip. The FAC-S president, Council of States member Pirmin Bischof (The Centre/SO), led this year’s delegation accompanied by Council of States members Andrea Caroni (FDP/AR), and Beat Rieder (The Centre/VS).

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