India, Switzerland hold 13th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Delhi
India and Switzerland Strengthen Ties in 13th Bilateral Consultations
On February 14, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary West, Tanmay Lal, and Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alexandre Fasel, co-chaired the 13th round of annual bilateral political consultations in New Delhi. This meeting marked a significant step in enhancing cooperation between India and Switzerland, focusing on economic relations, environmental challenges, and regional and international issues.
Key Areas of Discussion
The discussions emphasized innovation, technology, sustainability, digitization, and mobility. The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed in March 2024, was highlighted as a cornerstone for economic and trade relations, fostering exchanges in innovation, sustainability, and science.
International Cooperation
Both countries addressed major international issues, including the situation in South Asia and Ukraine, multilateralism, and Switzerland's roles in the Security and Human Rights Councils. They share a vision for strengthening global cooperation to tackle challenges like digital transition and climate security.
Environmental and Climate Cooperation
The meeting reviewed the 2019 memorandum of understanding on environmental and climate cooperation, celebrating achievements like low-carbon cement technology and city resilience innovations. The extension of this MoU is anticipated.
New Initiatives
During his visit, Secretary Fasel launched "Sustainability with a Plus," a platform to raise awareness of environmental challenges in India. He also received a gold LEED certificate for the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi, recognizing its energy and environmental performance.
These consultations reinforced the strategic partnership between India and Switzerland, focusing on pragmatic cooperation and shared values, with discussions on organizing high-level visits in the future.
Doubts Revealed
Bilateral Consultations
Bilateral consultations are meetings between two countries to discuss and improve their relationship. In this case, India and Switzerland are having their 13th such meeting.
Tanmay Lal
Tanmay Lal is an Indian diplomat who co-chaired the meeting with Switzerland. He represents India in these discussions.
Alexandre Fasel
Alexandre Fasel is a Swiss diplomat who co-chaired the meeting with India. He represents Switzerland in these discussions.
India-EFTA TEPA
India-EFTA TEPA stands for India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. It is a proposed agreement to enhance trade and economic relations between India and EFTA countries, which include Switzerland.
MoU
MoU stands for Memorandum of Understanding. It is an agreement between two or more parties, in this case, India and Switzerland, to work together on environmental cooperation.
Sustainability with a Plus
Sustainability with a Plus is a new initiative launched in India to promote sustainable practices. It focuses on balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
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