Through the International Cooperation section at the Embassy, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is implementing projects in the field of climate change, disaster risk reduction and environment in India. The aim is to support India’s transition to low-carbon and climate resilient development pathway that supports sustainable growth.

SDC's work in India is aligned with Switzerland’s Foreign Policy Strategy and International Cooperation Strategy. The office in India is part of SDC’s strategic engagement on Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Environment and the South Asian region. The projects in India leverage on Switzerland’s strong and recognized expertise to co-develop solutions that are aligned with India’s climate goals and international commitments. SDC works with the national and sub-national government authorities, Swiss and Indian experts, universities and research institutes, private sector, think-tanks, non-government organizations and international organizations. The projects focus on social inclusion, with the aim to benefit the poorest and most vulnerable, balancing environmental progress with poverty reduction and resilience building.

Recent and on-going projects in India focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean air, passive cooling, urban resilience, disaster risk management in the Himalayas, water resource management and just transition. Switzerland also extends support for capacity building and response in times of humanitarian crises.

Through its cooperation projects, SDC is contributing towards the implementation of the Government of India’s climate change and environmental programmes and schemes such as the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, Smart Cities Mission, National Programme on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, State Action Plans on Climate Change, National Clean Air Programme, National Cooling Plan among others.

The projects open-up important opportunities for scientific and economic collaboration between India and Switzerland that can be replicated in other parts of South Asia and the world.