India on Thursday signed three agreements with Switzerland, as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met Switzerland's Minister for Justice and Police Simonetta Sommaruga in New Delhi. He also batted for Indian policemen receiving training in Switzerland.
The first of the three deals inked between the two countries involves mutual exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic passports of both nations. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the treaty is called the "Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement for Holders of Diplomatic Passports."
The second deal is officially called the "Technical Arrangements on Identification and Return of Illegal Migrants" while the third is "Arrangement for Dependent Person of Diplomatic, Consular, Technical and Administrative Staff of Diplomatic and Consular Mission to Perform Gainful Employment."
Singh also proposed training facilities for Indian police officers in Switzerland police academies and other training institutes in fields like anti-hijacking and cyber forensics. "India looks forward for cooperation with Switzerland on the issue of exchange of tax information since the black money issue is the main corruption issue which needs to be tackled," Singh said, according to the MHA statement.
Singh also sought a more liberal visa regime for Indian business people since India has been offering multi-year, multiple-entry visas to Swiss businesses in a bid to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
Other subjects that were discussed at the meeting included cooperation in transfer of
sentenced persons, and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in criminal matters that would help in combating terrorism, trans-national organised crimes and corruption, including money laundering.
Singh said on the occasion: "The two countries have made significant contributions to strengthen peace and prosperity based on their shared vision of a peaceful and progressive future."
