Switzerland supports India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group

Published By : Admin | June 6, 2016 | 15:50 IST
India and Switzerland have both been the voices of peace, understanding and humanitarian values in the world: PM
Economic links between India-Switzerland are strong and vibrant: PM Modi
Many Swiss companies are household names in India. Collaboration in trade, investment, science & technology, skill dev. benefit both countries: PM
India is undergoing profound transformations. We are today the fastest growing economy in the world: PM Modi
India has 500 million plus skilled youth ready to meet the global needs of manpower: PM Modi
I invite the Swiss companies to avail the great opportunity to be a key partner in India's economic growth: PM
India-Switzerland agree to support each other for respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC
Switzerland supports India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group
Combating the menace of "black money" and tax evasion is our shared priority: PM

Your Excellency, President Johann Schneider-Ammann, Friends

Thank you, Excellency, for your warm remarks and generous welcome. I feel the weight of history, standing here with you in this truly international city-Geneva. And, not just international, but a city with a humanitarian soul. After all, it is home to the "Red Cross", and headquarters of several international organizations devoted to serving mankind.

Friends,

India and Switzerland have both been the voices of peace, understanding and humanitarian values in the world. In last seven decades, our friendship has consistently seen an upward trajectory. Today, President and I reviewed our multifaceted bilateral ties. We also held detailed discussions with Swiss CEOs.

Friends,

The economic links between our two countries are strong and vibrant.Many Swiss companies are household names in India. Ties of collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology and skill development benefit both our societies. India has affirmed it's readiness to resume FTA talks with EFTA. We are all aware of the strengths of the Swiss economy. But, India too is undergoing profound transformations. We are today the fastest growing economy in the world. But, that alone is not enough. I want the Indian economy to be driven by smart and sustainable cities, robust farm sector, vibrant manufacturing and dynamic service sector. And, its engines to run on world class network of rail, roads, airports and digital connectivity. Where a home for everyone, and electricity in every home is a reality. And, its 500 million plus youth is skilled and ready to meet the global needs of manpower. President and I agreed to build on the Swiss Vocational and Educational Training system suited to India's needsYesterday we observed World Environment Day. In tune with its objectives and India's civilizational ethos an economically prosperous India will also be friendly to the planet and our environment. Reliance on renewable energy, rather than on fossil fuels would be our guiding motto.

Friends,

We see a perfect connect between our development needs and Swiss strengths. I, therefore, invite the Swiss companies to avail of this great opportunity to be a key partner in India's economic growth. Ultimately, the economic prosperity of 1.25 billion plus would also benefit the entire world.

Friends,

India and Switzerland also share a commitment to reform international institutions in line with current global realities. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. I am also thankful to the President for Switzerland's understanding and support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Combating the menace of "black money" and tax evasion is also our shared priority. We discussed the need for an early and expeditious exchange of information to bring to justice the tax offenders. An early start to negotiations on the Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Information would be important in this respect.

Friends,

Strong ties between the people of our two countries are an important base and benchmark of our linkages. Thanks to the Indian film industry, we are very familiar with the enchanting beauty of the Swiss landscapes. But, we are also keen to welcome larger number of Swiss visitors to India.For this, we have opened the facility of e-Tourist Visa for Swiss nationals earlier this year.

Friends,

There are many success stories of our relationship. One that has been making waves in the Grand Slams of the tennis world is the partnership of famous Swiss player Martina Hingis with Sania Mirza and Leander Paes of India. I am confident that our common commitments and values, people to people links and a strong and growing economic partnership will take our relations to new heights. I thank you, Excellency, once again for hosting me in Geneva.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

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PM chairs 52nd PRAGATI Meeting
June 24, 2026
PM reviews four key infrastructure projects worth around ₹30,000 crore spanning four states across Road, Power, Industrial Corridor and Metro Rail sectors
PM emphasises use of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and timely updation of project, utility and infrastructure data on the portal for efficient planning
PM asks Ministries and State Governments to resolve pending issues in a mission-mode manner and ensure close monitoring
PM reviews TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and emphasizes need to leverage latest digital technologies including AI
PM reviews grievances related to Cyber Crime and Digital Arrest and stresses timely action, coordinated response and e-Zero FIR registration mechanism

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 52nd meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform aimed at fostering Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, by seamlessly integrating efforts of the Central and State Governments, earlier today at Seva Teerth.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed four critical infrastructure projects across the Road, Power, Industrial Corridor and Metro Rail sectors, covering four States and costing around ₹30,000 crore. These projects, important for economic growth, regional connectivity, industrial development and public welfare, were reviewed with focus on timelines, inter-agency coordination, issue resolution and timely completion.

Prime Minister underlined that delays in infrastructure projects not only lead to cost escalation, but also deprive people and industries of timely benefits. He asked the concerned Ministries and State Governments to resolve pending issues in a mission-mode manner and ensure close monitoring at the highest level.

Prime Minister emphasised the use of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for efficient planning and timely implementation of infrastructure projects. He also underlined the need for regular and timely updation of project details, utilities, infrastructure layers, clearances and other field-level information on the portal. He further emphasised that the platform must reflect the latest ground situation so that bottlenecks can be identified in advance, inter-agency coordination can be improved and decisions can be taken on the basis of reliable, real-time data.

Prime Minister reviewed TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and emphasised the need to leverage latest digital technologies including Artificial Intelligence. He suggested a team of NCC cadets and MY Bharat volunteers, for awareness, patient follow-up and community mobilisation.

Prime Minister also reviewed grievances related to Cyber Crime and Digital Arrest. He expressed concern over the rising misuse of digital platforms to defraud citizens and stressed that such matters require coordinated, sensitive and time-bound handling by all concerned agencies. He noted that citizens should not be made to run from one department or agency to another. He also emphasized the need for clear ownership, faster response, better coordination among law enforcement agencies, banks and digital platforms, and stronger public awareness campaigns.

Prime Minister observed that in cases involving cyber fraud, timely action is crucial to prevent financial loss and restore public confidence. He asked all stakeholders to work in close coordination to strengthen prevention, reporting, investigation and grievance redressal mechanisms. He also emphasised that States should work towards enabling e-Zero FIR mechanisms for faster registration and response in cyber fraud cases.