Swiss Minister Johann N Schneider Ammann to visit India on May 15

NEW DELHI: Swiss Economic Affairs Minister Johann N Schneider Ammann will be on a two-day visit to India starting from May 15 as the both countries seek to boost their bilateral ties.

This would be the first visit by a Swiss Minister since Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power in May, 2014.

It also comes at a time when India is making efforts to track black money stashed by its citizens abroad and is in discussions with Swiss authorities to gather more details in this regard.

Swiss Ambassador Linus von Castelmur today said Schneider Ammann would be here for two days from May 15.

"On May 15, he will hold meetings in New Delhi with Indian Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce & Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Skill Development Rajiv Pratap Rudy," the Ambassador said.

The next day, the Minister would be in Bengaluru and has various engagements there.

Various issues, including those related to trade and ways to further strengthen bilateral economic co-operation, are expected to be discussed during the visit.

Ammann would be accompanied by a delegation, including businessmen and politicians. He is also the Minister for Science & Technology, Agriculture and Skills Development.

Switzerland is a major foreign investor in India and has invested about $ 2.70 billion in diverse fields during April 2000-March 2014 period.

The actual Swiss direct investment inflows are estimated to be above $ 7 billion during that period, according to the Swiss government as large part of this money is routed through other countries into India.