Niklaus-Samuel Gugger was born in India and grew up in Switzerland. […] Whenever grey storm clouds loomed over the negotiating table, he remained confident. In autumn 2022, Parmelin took him to India for the first time. After that, the positions on both sides loosened and the negotiations accelerated rapidly. A year ago, setbacks threatened again. The situation was partially deadlocked and the negotiations were on the brink of collapse. Gugger was able to defuse the situation. Because he always knew who to ask again. On one occasion, a phone call with a member of the Indian delegation was enough. It also happened that Budliger had him sound out the situation. […]
Gugger summarises his role as “intercultural management”. As he did not have to take an active part in the negotiations, he always had time to study his counterpart. “I was able to read the negotiating partners very well,” says Gugger. Thanks to his own history, he has a feel for the people in India, their culture, their rhythm and how they negotiate. But Gugger also knows how the Swiss work.” NZZ, 12.3.2024
