Combating the menace of black money is a shared priority of India and Switzerland: Narendra Modi

Newsroom24x7 Staff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Swiss Confederation Johann Schneider-Ammann

Geneva: Combating the menace of “black money” and tax evasion is our shared priority, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said here today in the presence of Swiss President Schneider-Ammann.

Jointly addressing the media with the Swiss President, Modi said: “We discussed the need for an early and expeditious exchange of information to bring to justice the tax offenders Modi said adding an early start to negotiations on the Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Information would be important in this respect.”

India and Switzerland, the Prime Minister went on to state, share a commitment to reform international institutions in line with current global realities. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. I am also thankful to the President for Switzerland’s understanding and support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Modi further said that India and Switzerland have both been the voices of peace, understanding and humanitarian values in the world. In last seven decades, our friendship has consistently seen an upward trajectory. Today, President and I reviewed our multifaceted bilateral ties. We also held detailed discussions with Swiss CEOs.

The economic links between India and Switzerland are strong and vibrant, Modi pointed out adding many Swiss companies are household names in India. Ties of collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology and skill development benefit both our societies. India has affirmed it’s readiness to resume FTA talks with EFTA. We are all aware of the strengths of the Swiss economy. But, India too is undergoing profound transformations. We are today the fastest growing economy in the world. But, that alone is not enough. I want the Indian economy to be driven by smart and sustainable cities, robust farm sector, vibrant manufacturing and dynamic service sector. And, its engines to run on world class network of rail, roads, airports and digital connectivity. Where a home for everyone, and electricity in every home is a reality. And, its 500 million plus youth is skilled and ready to meet the global needs of manpower. President and I agreed to build on the Swiss Vocational and Educational Training system suited to India’s needsYesterday we observed World Environment Day. In tune with its objectives and India’s civilizational ethos an economically prosperous India will also be friendly to the planet and our environment. Reliance on renewable energy, rather than on fossil fuels would be our guiding motto.
Modi said that India sees a perfect connect between its development needs and Swiss strengths. Emphasising this, he invited the Swiss companies to avail of this great opportunity to be a key partner in India’s economic growth. Ultimately, the economic prosperity of 1.25 billion plus would also benefit the entire world.
Modi drew attention to the Indian film industry and spoke of the enchanting beauty of the Swiss landscapes. At the same time, he aid that India is keen to welcome larger number of Swiss visitors to India.For this, India has opened the facility of e-Tourist Visa for Swiss nationals earlier this year.

Pointing to success stories of the relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister said that one of these making waves in the Grand Slams of the tennis world is the partnership of famous Swiss player Martina Hingis with Sania Mirza and Leander Paes of India. He said that he is confident that the common commitments and values, people to people links and a strong and growing economic partnership will take the relations between the two countries to new heights.