Why India is an Attractive Destination for Swiss Businesses, Says Top Swiss Official

New Delhi | June 11, 2025

India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses—this powerful statement from Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, underscores the growing confidence and interest of Swiss companies in India’s economic potential. During her recent visit to India, Artieda praised the country’s improving business climate and its evolving role as a key global economic player.

India is a Preferred Place for Swiss Businesses, Reaffirms Swiss Economic Affairs Head

Helene Budliger Artieda, who is on a multi-day official visit to India, expressed optimism about India-Switzerland trade relations. She emphasized that India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses, citing its large market, youthful population, and robust innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at a business interaction event, she highlighted the increasing collaboration between Swiss and Indian companies across various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering, renewable energy, and information technology. According to Artieda, India’s strong intellectual capital and policy reforms have positioned it as a reliable and long-term business partner for Swiss investors.

Bilateral Trade on the Rise

The trade relations between India and Switzerland have shown consistent growth. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached over USD 20 billion, reflecting a clear indication that India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses seeking expansion in Asia.

Swiss companies such as Nestlé, Novartis, and ABB already have a strong presence in India. Many others are actively exploring opportunities in sectors like clean technology, digital transformation, precision engineering, and financial services. The Swiss business community views India as a country with high potential and minimal risk for long-term investment.

Reforms and Infrastructure Drive Business Confidence

One of the key reasons why India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses is the Indian government’s focus on regulatory reforms, ease of doing business, and infrastructure upgrades. Artieda lauded India’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business index and its progressive policies under initiatives like Make in India and Digital India.

She noted that such proactive steps boost foreign investors’ trust and make India stand out in the competitive global market. According to her, the Swiss private sector is particularly interested in India’s innovation-led economy and its strategic geographical position in Asia.

Free Trade Agreement in the Pipeline

The ongoing negotiations between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a key member, were also mentioned by Artieda. She expressed hope that a comprehensive free trade agreement would be finalized soon. Such an agreement could further reinforce why India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses, unlocking new avenues for trade, investment, and technology exchange.

This trade pact is expected to reduce tariffs, open market access, and create a more favorable investment environment for both Indian and Swiss enterprises.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

A new and emerging area of collaboration is sustainability and green technology. Swiss companies are eager to partner with Indian firms in addressing climate change challenges. Artieda stressed that India’s ambitious renewable energy goals and its efforts in carbon reduction make it an ideal destination for Swiss innovation in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.

This adds yet another layer of attraction, strengthening the belief that India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses looking to align profitability with sustainability.

A Long-Standing Relationship Built on Trust

The Swiss State Secretary also acknowledged the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. With over 250 Swiss companies operating in India and more than 100 Indian firms having a presence in Switzerland, the two nations share a mutually beneficial economic relationship.

Artieda’s visit is expected to catalyze further cooperation and help Swiss entrepreneurs recognize why India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses across traditional and emerging sectors.

Conclusion

As the world seeks stable and high-potential markets post-COVID, the message is loud and clear from Switzerland’s top economic official—India is a preferred place for Swiss businesses. The economic ties between the two countries are likely to deepen in the coming years, propelled by shared values, trust, innovation, and mutual growth ambitions.

With strong fundamentals, supportive policies, and a growing consumer base, India remains a magnet for global investment—and Switzerland is taking note.