NEW DELHI: Swiss president Guy Parmelin was given a red-carpet welcome in India on Monday as he met prime minister Narendra Modi for talks on trade and investment.
"My visit is a stepping stone towards further growth," Parmelin said, adding that the three-day visit comes a year after a trade deal was signed with a four-member European bloc that compromises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Under that deal, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) aims to invest US$100 billion in India over 15 years.
The deal cuts tariffs, making it easier for Indian companies to sell goods into the four EFTA markets, while giving European companies greater access to India, the world's most populous nation and fastest-growing major economy.
