Swiss science leaders stress India–Switzerland partnership for responsible AI

Story by ANI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 19-02-2026

Torsten Schwede, President of the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

New Delhi

Torsten Schwede, President of the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), on Wednesday praised Narendra Modi’s vision for artificial intelligence, highlighting the shared commitment of India and Switzerland to deploying AI for the broader benefit of society.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Schwede said he was impressed by the Prime Minister’s opening remarks. “He addressed some very pertinent issues we face as a society in terms of AI,” Schwede said.

Emphasising continuity in global dialogue, he noted that discussions initiated in New Delhi would continue next year in Switzerland. “We are looking forward to welcoming participants to Geneva and continuing the idea of making AI responsible and beneficial to society,” he said, adding that India and Switzerland share common values on ethical and socially beneficial use of artificial intelligence.

Similar views were echoed a day earlier by Guy Parmelin, who voiced strong support for India’s vision of a safe, inclusive and impactful AI ecosystem during his participation in the summit.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Parmelin endorsed the summit’s focus on the three pillars of People, Progress and Planet. He said Switzerland fully supports the idea that AI should drive economic and social progress for all, while also being developed and used in a sustainable manner that respects the planet.

Parmelin also acknowledged India’s growing strength in AI research and innovation, saying Switzerland sees significant potential for deeper collaboration. He pointed to the presence of Swiss startups at the summit that are keen to partner with Indian counterparts.

On governance and responsible innovation, the Swiss President underlined shared goals between the two countries, stressing the importance of inclusive growth, sustainability and public good. He said Switzerland values close cooperation with India in shaping international and multilateral frameworks for AI governance.

He added that principles outlined at the India AI Impact Summit would feed into future global discussions, including a United Nations dialogue on AI to be held in Geneva this summer, and Switzerland’s planned hosting of follow-up discussions in 2027.

Parmelin reaffirmed Switzerland’s active role in international AI governance, including work under the Council of Europe framework convention on artificial intelligence, and encouraged India to consider joining these efforts. The remarks from both Swiss leaders underscore the deepening India–Switzerland partnership in AI governance, research and innovation, aligned with the summit’s human-centric and sustainable approach to artificial intelligence.