Mrs
Doris Leuthard, Swiss President, paid a highly successful State visit
to India, with a 21 Gun Salute.
The
Swiss economy, at Number 1 rank in international competitiveness and
innovation, and with a very high R&D intensity, complements the
Indian economy. We are looking to spread the first class Swiss
vocational education system in India which will transform employment
prospects for young Indians.
Switzerland
is the only country in the world which recognizes Ayurved
among traditional
medicines in its Constitution. Per capita Switzerland is one of the
highest investors in India and that too in the most valuable, core,
high-technology sectors of the Indian economy.
Switzerland
in fact collaborated in the early decades of the establishment of our
relations in 1948, whose 70th Anniversary will be celebrated this
year, in setting up India’s first aeronautical vocational education
institute in Nellore, its Integrated Coach factory in 1951, and also
in its space program.
But
Switzerland’s strengths were not fully appreciated in India after
sometime. The image was of a beautiful tourism destination,
chocolates, cheese and banks.
Following
Prime Minister's visit last year to Switzerland, cooperation in the
eradication of black money strengthened and many other initiatives
received a tremendous momentum. Switzerland accepted India's
membership of the NSG and talks on the free trade agreement also were
resumed. An MOU on vocational education and training was signed which
imparted momentum to the Embassy's efforts to increase cooperation in
this area. Prime Minister also enjoined upon us to strengthen
cooperation in Ayurved, and it was discovered that Switzerland
recognizes Ayurved in its Constitution. In fact the drug Serpicil is
based on Sarpagandha from India. This has also rejuvenated
cooperation in this area.
In
recognition of these strengths the Swiss President got a very warm
reception in India. She met the President and Vice President of India
and External Affairs Minister also called on her.
She
also led a top-level business delegation which was unprecedented in
its level of representation and composition from the distinguished
Chairman of ABB, one of the largest investors in India to the
founders of Stadler and Molinari Rail. Prime Minister had a very
productive and fruitful interaction with the Swiss President and the
business delegation. Extensive discussions were held in areas of
mutual interest.
The
President hosted a banquet dinner which was characterized by genuine
warmth.
The
delegation also enthusiastically participated in the high-level
discussions with Shri Suresh Prabhu, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Shri
Piyush Goyal. The delegation thoroughly enjoyed their interactions
with the Ministers.
The
Swiss President was warmly received and seen off by Shri Mansukhiya
Mandaviya, MOS, also known as the bike MP who cycles to office and
has formed a Climate Club in Parliament to inspire other MPs. As MOS
for Transport amongst other fields he's dedicated to create a bike
economy and to contribute to environmental sustainability.
It
was agreed to increase cooperation in investment, vocational
education and scientific endeavour. Two MOUs in Railways were signed
which will lead to increased joint research.
A
Joint Statement was issued at the end of the visit which is a first
in the Swiss relations.
It
has been an exciting two years and a solid basis for bilateral
corporation has been laid down.
