EAM Jaishankar Discusses Trade Ties with Liechtenstein Prince

New Delhi, October 27: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Prince Alois of Liechtenstein on Tuesday, focusing on the growing bilateral relationship and the fresh opportunities arising from the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was glad to meet the prince during his visit to India. He observed that India and Liechtenstein are working together in a growing number of areas, with the India-EFTA TEPA providing significant openings.

The minister also said he looked forward to a meeting later the same day with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which would help advance the countries' cooperation.

Before these talks, Prince Alois was accorded a formal ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi extended a warm reception.

The prince said that being invited to India on a state visit was an honour. He added that Liechtenstein is determined to strengthen its ties with India further. He described the journey as a historic one, saying it demonstrates how much his country values its relationship with India.

Referring to the trade and economic partnership agreement with India, he termed it an important achievement in deepening bilateral ties. He reiterated that both countries were fully committed to building on this progress.

Prince Alois listed innovation, advanced manufacturing, financial services, education and technology among the sectors with considerable potential for greater economic cooperation. He noted that the capabilities of the two nations complement one another across these fields and beyond, and that joining forces would serve their shared long-term interests.

The prince landed in New Delhi on Monday from Vadodara in Gujarat, where a Union Minister of State greeted him at the airport. He is travelling with Princess Sophie, senior officials and a delegation of prominent business leaders from various industrial sectors.

His meeting with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House on Tuesday is expected to cover trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, and efforts to expand people-to-people contact. Regional and global developments will also be on the agenda.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary will meet the prince on Tuesday as well. He will subsequently call on President Droupadi Murmu, who is hosting a state banquet in his honour.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the visit would help accelerate the growing cooperation between India and Liechtenstein, particularly after the India-EFTA TEPA came into effect in 2025.