Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Swiss President Guy Parmelin with three award-winning Indian cheeses during their meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2026. The gifts, named Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor, highlighted India’s growing capabilities in premium cheese production while recognizing Switzerland’s internationally renowned cheesemaking heritage.
The presentation took place during Parmelin’s three-day visit to India, his first state visit to the country. The two leaders also held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, mobility and critical technologies.
Indian Artisan Cheeses Showcase International Recognition
The three cheeses were selected to reflect the diversity of India’s developing specialty cheese sector. Drawing inspiration from European cheesemaking traditions while incorporating distinctive characteristics, the products demonstrate how Indian producers are developing premium dairy offerings for international recognition.
Gulmarg: French-Style Brie
Gulmarg is a French-style Brie made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It features a soft, creamy texture, a snowy-white rind and earthy flavours reminiscent of mushrooms. The cheese received the Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil, an international cheese competition held in Brazil.
Its recognition highlights the potential of Indian cheesemakers to produce specialty cheeses that meet international quality expectations while expanding the country’s value-added dairy portfolio.
Konark: Tomme-Inspired Cheese
Konark takes inspiration from the French Tomme cheesemaking tradition. It features a natural rind and a combination of earthy, savoury flavours complemented by a lemony finish.
The cheese won a Gold award at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and a Silver award in Switzerland in 2025. These accolades demonstrate its competitive performance at international cheese competitions and underline the growing interest in distinctive Indian specialty dairy products.
Yeoor: Mountain-Style Cheese Inspired by Gruyère
Yeoor is a mountain-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyère and aged for approximately eight to nine months. The extended maturation process contributes to its nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavour profile.
The cheese combines Indian ingredients with Alpine cheesemaking influences, reflecting an approach that brings together regional dairy resources and established European techniques.
Premium Cheese Production Creates Opportunities for Indian Dairy
The presentation of the three cheeses draws attention to opportunities for India’s dairy industry to move further into specialty and value-added products. India is the world’s largest milk producer, providing a substantial raw-material base for manufacturers seeking to diversify beyond conventional dairy products.
Specialty cheeses can offer producers opportunities to differentiate their products through maturation techniques, flavour development, production standards and international recognition. However, sustained growth in this segment also depends on consistent milk quality, suitable processing infrastructure, food safety, cold-chain logistics and consumer awareness.
International awards can help strengthen product visibility and credibility, potentially opening doors to new retail, hospitality and export markets. Products inspired by established European styles may also demonstrate how Indian manufacturers can adapt global techniques to local ingredients and production conditions.
India–Switzerland Relations Extend Beyond Dairy
Modi and Parmelin discussed several areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, mobility and critical technologies. The exchange of specialty cheeses added a food and cultural dimension to the diplomatic engagement, highlighting the role of agricultural products in strengthening international relationships.
Switzerland’s long-standing association with cheese production provided a relevant backdrop for showcasing India’s emerging premium cheese offerings. The selection of Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor also illustrated the increasing diversity of Indian dairy products beyond traditional categories.
Strengthening India’s Value-Added Dairy Sector
The presentation offers a notable example of how specialty dairy products can represent India’s agricultural capabilities on an international platform. By combining award-winning products with established European cheesemaking influences, Indian producers are exploring opportunities in a segment where product differentiation and quality are important.
As demand for diverse dairy products develops across domestic and international markets, premium cheeses could provide additional avenues for value addition and brand development. The recognition received by Gulmarg and Konark, alongside the distinctive profile of Yeoor, highlights the potential for Indian cheesemakers to strengthen their presence in the global specialty cheese market.