Swiss President arrives in India, wants to improve Indo-Swiss trade relations

In the talks, the Indian side may raise the issue of black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.

President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard, who is on three-day visit to India beginning August 30, hoped to give impetus to pending negotiations on trade.

Leuthard was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.

Talking to media after the reception, Leuthard, said ' Hope can give pending negotiations on trade and partnership agreements new impetus. Will try to have new investment protection agreement.''

She said, ''We are very pleased with Prime Minister Modi's reforms.''

She further said that the visit would boost Indo-Swiss ties and both the countries have a friendship since 70-years.

In the talks, the Indian side may raise the issue of black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.

Ms Leuthard will be accompanied by senior government officials and a large business delegation of leading Swiss companies.

Swiss Presidents have visited India on three occasions earlier in 1998, 2003 and 2007.

The first diplomatic engagement between the countries was a Treaty of Friendship signed at New Delhi on August 14, 1948. Diplomatic missions between the two countries were opened in Bern and Delhi soon after its conclusion.

Switzerland established its Consulates General in Mumbai and Bangalore. India has a Consulate General in Geneva.

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