India’s extensive talent pool and favorable regulatory environment provide Swiss investors a golden opportunity to partner in AI-driven innovation and cleantech advancements, Tanvi Singh writes in an article for finews.first.
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed in March 2024 between Switzerland and India under the EFTA umbrella (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) marks a significant leap in bilateral trade. India’s first agreement with a European bloc, TEPA reduces tariffs, strengthens intellectual property (IP) protections, and fosters sustainable development.
This is a unique chance for Swiss businesses to access one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Opportunities for Businesses
TEPA is expected to boost Swiss exports, already worth 17 billion francs in 2023, by eliminating tariffs on 85 percent of goods. Additionally, 10 percent of exports will get partial concessions, saving 132 million francs annually.
Pharmaceuticals, optical and medical devices, machinery, and luxury goods stand to gain, with Swiss exporters now more competitive in India’s cost-sensitive markets. Enhanced IP protections reduce risks for businesses operating in sectors like branded goods and MedTech, ensuring smoother market access.
Why India Matters
India is on its path to becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2030 after the US and China. India’s economic growth is unmatched, with its digital economy projected to reach 680 billion francs and GDP set to double by 2030.
TEPA aligns Swiss expertise with India’s priorities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cleantech, and biotech. Initiatives like Nirmata-ai Ventures leverage this synergy, connecting Swiss capital with India’s thriving startup ecosystem, valued at $7.3 billion.
India’s extensive talent pool and favorable regulatory environment provide Swiss investors a golden opportunity to partner in AI-driven innovation and cleantech advancements.
Key Sectors to Watch
- MedTech: Tariff eliminations offer Swiss corporations entry into India’s expanding healthcare market, including diagnostics, surgical instruments, and optical and medical devices.
- Cleantech: TEPA supports Swiss expertise in renewable energy and electric mobility as India transitions to greener solutions.
AI and Startups: TEPA fosters Swiss-Indian collaboration, particularly in startups, where ventures like Nirmata enable investors to tap into transformative growth opportunities. - Luxury Goods: With rising affluence in India, Swiss watchmakers will benefit significantly, saving 27 million francs annually in tariffs.
TEPA is not just a trade agreement – it is a gateway to one of the most dynamic global markets. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and joint ventures will be critical for navigating India’s policies while maximizing TEPA’s benefits.
For Swiss financial professionals, 2025 is the time to act. Collaborations will enable investors to capitalize on TEPA’s provisions, positioning Switzerland at the forefront of cross-border innovation.
Once-in-a-generation Opportunity
TEPA represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand Switzerland’s global footprint. By leveraging this agreement and partnering with forward-thinking ventures, Swiss businesses can lead in shaping a sustainable and prosperous economic future with India.
Swiss professionals should seize the moment, explore TEPA’s potential, and invest in building lasting synergies.
Tanvi Singh is an accomplished technology and transformation executive with over 25 years of experience in leading business initiatives within the banking and financial sectors. She currently serves as a founder and managing partner of Zurich-based Nirmata-ai Ventures, an early-stage startup focusing on AI-driven impact startups in biotechnology, fintech and cleantech innovations. Prior to that, she held various leadership positions at Credit Suisse, Monsanto, CA Technologies, GE, and as a Board Member of the Global Blockchain Business Council and GirlsCanCode. From 2022 to 2024 she was the Group Head of Digital Assets Technology at Swiss bank UBS.
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