President Murmu Hosts Prince Alois: TEPA to Fuel India-Liechtenstein Ties
President Droupadi Murmu welcomes Prince Alois of Liechtenstein to discuss the India-EFTA TEPA and its potential for investment and jobs.
In a significant move to strengthen diplomatic and economic bonds, President Droupadi Murmu received the Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The visit, marked by a ceremonial welcome and a grand banquet, centered on the immense potential of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to create a powerhouse collaboration between the two nations.
A Synergy of Strengths
During the interactions, President Murmu highlighted how the India-EFTA TEPA opens new doors for mutual growth. She emphasized that by combining the specialized expertise of Liechtenstein with India's vast resources, both countries could forge a highly beneficial partnership.
The President specifically noted that the collaboration would blend Liechtenstein’s strengths in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Innovation
- Financial services
These would be paired with India’s competitive advantages, including its massive manufacturing capacity, a highly skilled workforce, and a rapidly expanding market.
The Power of TEPA: Investments and Jobs
The India-EFTA TEPA, which was signed in March 2024 and became operational in October 2025, is not just a diplomatic agreement but an economic roadmap. According to a joint statement, the framework aims to achieve ambitious targets over the next 15 years, including:
- Investment: Catalysing USD 100 billion in investments into India.
- Employment: Generating one million direct jobs within India through EFTA nations.
Key Sectors for Cooperation
Both governments have identified several high-tech and strategic sectors where cooperation will be intensified. These include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Space Technology
- Medical Technology and Precision Engineering
- Clean Energy Solutions
- Machinery and Machine Tools
- Financial Services
A Historic State Visit
This visit holds particular significance as it marks the first official state visit of Liechtenstein to India. Prince Alois, who was also welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed his gratitude for the cordial reception, describing India as a "remarkable country."
"This historic visit bears testimony to the importance that Liechtenstein attaches to the relationship with India," Prince Alois stated while interacting with reporters.
The Prince further described the conclusion of the TEPA framework as a "major milestone" in deepening the bilateral relationship and expressed a firm determination to build on this momentum to strengthen ties even further.
Notably, this is the second time Prince Alois has visited India this year, having previously attended the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February, signaling Liechtenstein's growing interest in India's technological and economic trajectory.