A new beginning of friendship between India and Switzerland

India-Switzerland News / A new beginning of friendship between India and Switzerland

India-Switzerland News - A new beginning of friendship between India and Switzerland

India-Switzerland News: A new chapter of friendship has begun between India and Switzerland, which is an important step towards further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who visited Switzerland, held an important meeting with his counterpart Ignazio Daniele Giovanni Cassis. The meeting discussed many important issues towards taking the friendship between India and Switzerland to a new level.

New turn in bilateral relations

Jaishankar's two-day visit to Switzerland concluded on Friday. During this, Swiss Foreign Minister Cassis hosted Jaishankar in Geneva. On this occasion, the two leaders held extensive discussions to take bilateral relations to new heights. In particular, the focus was on the trade agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The member countries of the EFTA include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

According to the statement of the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting emphasized on taking advantage of the free trade agreement between India and EFTA member countries to promote trade and investment. In March, India signed a 'Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement' (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association, under which India will receive US $ 100 billion in investment from these four European countries.

Discussion on global and regional issues

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Cassis also discussed various global and regional issues. Jaishankar also met the top leadership of international organizations in Geneva, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. They shared their views on India's approach to multilateralism, human rights reforms, and global human rights situations.

Additionally, Jaishankar also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in public health and promote traditional medicine systems globally. India's approach and plans on these issues further highlighted India's important role on the international stage.

Inauguration of the newly built Permanent Mission

An important event during Jaishankar's visit was the inauguration of India's newly built state-of-the-art Permanent Mission in Geneva. This mission houses India's missions associated with the United Nations and other international organizations, the Conference on Disarmament, the World Trade Organization and the Consulate General of India. Along with this inauguration, Jaishankar also named a hall in memory of Indian social reformer and educator Hansa Mehta. Mehta served as the Indian representative to the United Nations Human Rights Commission from 1947 to 1948.

Conclusion

This new chapter of friendship between India and Switzerland will give a new direction to the relations between the two countries. The visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has not only strengthened bilateral relations but also given prominence to India's position on global issues. This visit has highlighted the possibilities of cooperation in important areas like trade, investment, and global health, which will further strengthen the relations between the two countries in the future.