India, Switzerland Strengthen Biotech & Pharma Trade Ties

Under the India-European Free Trade Association TEPA, Switzerland and fellow EFTA members, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, have opened 92.2% of tariff lines, covering 99.6% of India’s exports.

India and Switzerland have advanced collaboration in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence governance during high-level meetings in New Delhi, integrating biotech, pharmaceutical trade and responsible AI governance into a unified economic agenda.

Discussions in New Delhi have connected investment, research and development, advanced therapeutics and digital health systems, reflecting a strategic push to deepen trade while shaping ethical technology frameworks.

The talks were held on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026, where Swiss President Guy Parmelin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

While artificial intelligence remained a headline theme, biotechnology and speciality pharmaceuticals emerged as priority sectors within the broader India-Switzerland trade dialogue.

Under the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), implemented last year, Switzerland and fellow EFTA members, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, have opened 92.2% of tariff lines, covering 99.6% of India’s exports.

The agreement is positioned as a gateway for Indian pharmaceutical and biotech products into high-income European markets known for stringent regulatory standards and strong demand for quality healthcare solutions.

India has emphasised its role as a reliable global supplier of affordable, high-quality medicines and vaccines. During the meeting, Goyal called for deeper cooperation in R&D, biotechnology, speciality pharmaceuticals and advanced therapeutics.

The focus includes collaborative research platforms, technology transfer, precision manufacturing and regulatory alignment to accelerate market access for innovative treatments.

Switzerland, home to major global pharmaceutical innovators and advanced life sciences research ecosystems, has shown interest in expanding investment in India’s growing biotech clusters.

The TEPA framework carries an ambition to facilitate USD 100 Bn in investment into India and generate one million direct jobs, with life sciences expected to be a significant contributor.

India has safeguarded sensitive domestic sectors while creating space for high-value collaboration in medical devices, pharma manufacturing and clinical research.

Both sides acknowledged the need to balance innovation with responsibility, particularly in areas such as AI-driven drug discovery, clinical decision support systems and predictive health analytics.

President Parmelin stated that artificial intelligence can transform healthcare but requires safeguards and timely policy frameworks to ensure equitable outcomes.

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