• UGI USER
  • Aug 14, 2023
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A Time-Tested Friendship.

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GS 2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Tags: #swissindianfriendship #EuropeanFreeTradeAssociation #indianexpresseditorialanalysis.

Why in News?

Treaty of Friendship and Establishment between Switzerland and India of 1948 concluded by newly independent India on 14th August 1948, marks 75 years since this treaty was signed. Switzerland is the 12th largest foreign investor in India.

Overview of the historical trajectory of their relationship:

Pre-Independence Era:

  • India and Switzerland had limited interactions during the pre-independence era due to their geographical distance and colonial contexts.
  • Swiss businesses and individuals started showing interest in India’s trade potential and cultural richness.

Post-Independence Era:

  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1948 Treaty, shortly after India gained independence from British rule.
  • The Swiss embassy was opened in New Delhi, and India’s diplomatic mission was established in Bern.

1950s-1960s:

  • Economic and trade ties began to develop, with Switzerland recognizing India’s potential as a trading partner.
  • Cultural exchange programs and people-to-people contacts laid the foundation for stronger bilateral relations.

1970s-1980s:

  • The two countries expanded their cooperation in various sectors, including science and technology, trade, and investment.
  • Switzerland’s expertise in sectors like pharmaceuticals and finance attracted Indian businesses and investors.

1990s:

  • Bilateral agreements were signed to enhance economic cooperation, including air services and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
  • In 1997 Signing of an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
  • Switzerland emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education.

2000s:

  • The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) was amended to facilitate the exchange of financial information between the two countries.
  • There was a growing focus on collaboration in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

2010s:

  • In 2011, both countries signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of tax-related information to combat tax evasion.
  • Switzerland expressed support for India’s bid to join international groups like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).Cultural exchanges continued, with various events promoting understanding between the two nations. In 2013 India and Switzerland sign an agreement on automatic exchange of tax-related information.

2020s:

  • High-level discussions on various issues, including trade, investment, and climate change.
  • Recent collaboration between Swiss and Indian scientists has been the development of Limestone calcined Clay Cement.

Flourishing Diplomatic and Cultural ties:

Cultural Engagement:

  • Swiss artists and researchers like Le Corbusier and Alice Boner have shown interest in India’s culture and heritage.
  • Indian movies, particularly Bollywood films shot in the Swiss Alps, have brought the two countries closer.

Pro Helvetia:

  • The Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia, established an office in New Delhi in 2007
  • Pro Helvetia focuses on contemporary literature, visual arts, dance, and design.
  • Scholarships are offered in both Switzerland and India to facilitate cultural exchanges.

Educational and Artistic Pursuits:

  • Swiss universities offer courses in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Indology.
  • The Rietberg Museum in Zurich boasts a significant collection of Indian miniature paintings.
  • Festivals of India and Switzerland were held in each other’s countries, promoting cultural exchange.

Commemorative Installations:

  • Statues and plaques have been unveiled to honor prominent Indian figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda in Switzerland.
  • A bronze bust of Rabindranath Tagore was unveiled during President Smt. Pratibha Patil’s state visit.

 Academic Collaborations:

  • ICCR and the University of Lausanne signed an MoU to establish the Rabindranath Tagore Chair on Indian Studies.
  • An MoU between the Indian Council of Social Science Research and the University of Lausanne promotes cooperation in social sciences and humanities.
  • setting up vocational training institutions in Chandigarh.

Performing Arts:                                           

  • Kathak dance troupes sponsored by ICCR visited Switzerland, showcasing Indian cultural performances.
  • The International Day of Yoga was celebrated with events across various Swiss cities, along with an Ayurveda Festival.

Tourism and People-to-People Contact:

  • E-tourist visa facility extended to Switzerland, leading to increased Indian visitors.
  • Joint efforts to promote MICE Tourism to India were organized in Geneva and Zurich.

Indian Cultural Network:

  • The Embassy of India launched the Indian Cultural Network to engage the Indian diaspora and promote cultural exchanges.
  • Activities such as book readings have been organized under this framework.

Sectoral Cooperation:

Sector Collaborative Efforts
Science & Technology           ·         Inter-governmental Agreement on Technical and Scientific Cooperation (2003).

·         Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP) launched in 2005 through periodic POC agreements.

·        Joint calls for projects and a Working Group on Glaciology for training and capacity-building.
Railways         ·         MoUs on Railways signed during Swiss President’s visit in 2017 for technical cooperation and tunneling collaboration.
Civil Aviation ·        Air Services Agreement (ASA) signed in 2001, enhancing air connectivity.

·         Swiss Air operates direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai, contributing to tourism and business links.
Education/Skill Development ·         Bilateral MoU promoting cooperation in skills development and vocational education.

·         Initiatives like Bharatiya Skill Development Campus, Indo-Swiss Centre of Excellence, and Skillsonics India Pvt. Ltd.

·        Vocational Training Centers in Andhra Pradesh for practical education in solar energy.
AYUSH ·         Recognition of Ayurveda for federally recognized national diploma examinations.

Current Accomplishments and Cooperation:

  • India’s expertise in information technology has greatly benefited Swiss enterprises, addressing challenges like the millennium bug and digital transformation.
  • Switzerland and India have also collaborated on the development of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), a climate-friendly alternative to conventional cement.
  • Switzerland’s role as the 12th largest foreign investor in India, with over 330 Swiss companies actively operating in India, underscores their commitment to India’s economic growth.
  • Switzerland ranks number one when it comes to innovation. India takes center stage as the “pharmacy of the world” while Swiss pharma companies are known for their innovations.

 Future Prospects:

  • The friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over the years, with potential for further cooperation.
  • Future collaboration will focus on sustainability, healthcare, and technology for the betterment of both nations.
  • The Swiss-Indian Innovation Platform, bringing together universities and innovative enterprises, will address global health risks like Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
  • A Free Trade Agreement between the European Free Trade Association and India is anticipated, promising deeper trade ties, investments, and innovation.

India –Switzerland friendship is based on mutual respect, common interests, and shared values, envisions a future where Swiss-Indian cooperation advances the welfare of both peoples, embodying a “tryst with destiny” moment for the two countries.

Source – Indian Express.

Mains Question:

Q) Explain the historical significance of the Treaty of Friendship and Establishment between Switzerland and India in 1948. How did it shape India’s early diplomatic relationships?