In a significant step toward deepening European-Indian economic ties, President Droupadi Murmu hosted H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois and H.R.H. Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein at Rashtrapati Bhavan Tuesday.
The royal visit, capped by a state banquet, highlighted a rapidly expanding partnership anchored in advanced manufacturing, fintech, and massive foreign investment.
President Murmu praised Prince Alois’s long-standing commitment to India, noting that cooperation between the two nations has reached new heights across trade, technology, and cultural exchange. Emphasizing the current complex geopolitical and economic landscape, she stated that strengthening this bilateral economic partnership is more critical than ever.
The cornerstone of this renewed optimism is the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), successfully concluded in 2024. President Murmu expressed confidence that the agreement’s ambitious target—facilitating $100 billion in investments into India and generating one million direct jobs over 15 years—will serve as a robust foundation for shared prosperity.
Liechtenstein’s private sector is already moving to capitalize on these new avenues. A growing number of the principality’s companies are actively exploring collaborations in India across high-value sectors, including sustainable infrastructure, agricultural research, healthcare, and material sciences.
“By combining Liechtenstein’s expertise in the fields of advanced manufacturing, innovation, and financial services with India’s skilled workforce, manufacturing capacity, and rapidly growing market, we can develop a mutually beneficial partnership,” President Murmu remarked during the delegation’s reception.
The leaders also identified significant potential for educational synergy, emphasizing that robust partnerships between industry and educational institutions will drive the skill development and vocational training necessary to support this economic leap. Both leaders concluded the summit with a mutual agreement that the enhanced cooperation forged during this visit will yield immense, long-term benefits for the citizens of both nations.
