India and Liechtenstein Forge Stronger Ties: PM Modi and Prince Alois Hail TEPA Success
PM Modi hosts Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein to discuss trade, UN reforms, and the impact of the India-EFTA TEPA agreement.
In a historic diplomatic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The high-level discussions focused on amplifying the strategic partnership between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on the India-EFTA TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement), which has provided significant momentum to their economic relations.
Expanding Economic and Technological Horizons
The bilateral talks served as a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of India–Liechtenstein relations. Both leaders explored various pathways to deepen cooperation, identifying several critical growth sectors that could benefit from mutual collaboration. Key areas of focus included:
- Trade and Investment: Leveraging the TEPA framework to boost commercial exchanges.
- Innovation and Technology: Collaborating on science, advanced manufacturing, and technological breakthroughs.
- Human Capital: Enhancing skill development and fostering stronger people-to-people ties.
A Shared Vision for Global Governance
Beyond bilateral economics, the conversation shifted toward the global stage. Prime Minister Modi and Hereditary Prince Alois reaffirmed their shared commitment to reforming and strengthening multilateral institutions. A primary point of agreement was the need to modernize the United Nations to better reflect current global realities and ensure more effective governance.
A Historic First State Visit
This visit marks the first-ever state visit by Liechtenstein to India, a fact that Hereditary Prince Alois highlighted during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, the Prince noted that the visit is a testament to the immense importance Liechtenstein places on its relationship with New Delhi.
"I am very honoured to be in India on the occasion of Liechtenstein's first state visit to this remarkable country," stated Hereditary Prince Alois.
The Prince further emphasized that the conclusion of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which came into force a year ago, was a significant milestone that the two nations are now determined to build upon.
Diplomatic Engagements and Tributes
The royal couple's visit was marked by several significant engagements:
- Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi: The Hereditary Prince and Princess visited Rajghat to pay their respects to the Father of the Nation, participating in a wreath-laying ceremony and signing the visitors' book. They were joined by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary.
- Meeting with S. Jaishankar: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with Prince Alois, noting that the bilateral partnership is witnessing "strong momentum across a wide range of domains," largely driven by the opportunities created by the India-EFTA TEPA.
As both nations look forward, the focus remains on expanding economic cooperation, particularly in financial services, innovation, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that the momentum generated by this historic visit translates into long-term strategic growth.