Liechtenstein Royals Pay Tribute to Gandhi During Historic First State Visit
Hereditary Prince Alois and Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and meet top Indian leaders during a historic state visit.
In a landmark moment for diplomatic relations, Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and Hereditary Princess Sophie visited Rajghat in New Delhi on Tuesday to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi. The royal couple's visit to the memorial of the Father of the Nation included a solemn wreath-laying ceremony and the signing of the visitors' book, marking a poignant start to their high-profile engagement in the capital.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, who was present at the site to welcome the royal guests.
A Historic Milestone in Bilateral Ties
This visit marks the first-ever state visit by Liechtenstein to India, a fact that Hereditary Prince Alois emphasized during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The royal couple was received with full honors by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Expressing his gratitude, Prince Alois stated that he was deeply honored to visit the "remarkable country." He noted that the historic nature of the trip serves as a testament to the high priority Liechtenstein places on its relationship with New Delhi.
“The conclusion of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, TEPA, with India, which entered into force a year ago, marked a significant milestone in this regard,” the Prince remarked.
Driving Economic Momentum
The diplomatic visit is heavily focused on expanding economic horizons. Prince Alois highlighted a strong determination to build upon current momentum, specifically identifying several key sectors where the two nations can collaborate:
- Innovation and Technology: Leveraging cutting-edge research and digital advancements.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Strengthening industrial ties and production capabilities.
- Financial Services: Utilizing the complementary strengths of both nations' financial sectors.
- Education: Enhancing academic exchange and learning opportunities.
The Prince noted that both countries possess complementary strengths that, when combined, could provide lasting benefits for both populations.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
The state visit has seen intense diplomatic activity. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on Hereditary Prince Alois to discuss the growing momentum in bilateral relations. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Jaishankar mentioned that the partnership is witnessing strong growth across various domains, largely driven by the opportunities created by the India-EFTA TEPA.
The External Affairs Minister further expressed his anticipation for the meeting between the Hereditary Prince and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at further advancing cooperation between the two nations.
Journey Across India
The royal couple's itinerary has taken them to several key Indian cities. Before arriving in New Delhi, Hereditary Prince Alois visited Mumbai on Monday and subsequently traveled to Vadodara. Upon his arrival in the capital, he was received at the airport by Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as the beginning of a "new chapter" in India–Liechtenstein engagement, asserting that the state visit will provide a renewed impetus to the bilateral relations between the two countries.