Jaishankar Meets Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois, Discusses Opportunities Under TEPA

In a post on X, Jaishankar said bilateral ties were gaining momentum across several sectors, supported by opportunities emerging from the trade agreement. He also said Prince Alois’s scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would help advance cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, Prince Alois received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi welcomed him.

Describing his visit as an important occasion, Prince Alois said he was honoured to be in India for Liechtenstein’s first state visit. He thanked the President and Prime Minister for their invitation and warm reception, adding that the visit reflected the importance Liechtenstein attached to its relationship with India.

The Prince described the India–EFTA TEPA, which came into force in 2025, as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. He said Liechtenstein was keen to build on the momentum generated by the agreement and strengthen cooperation with India.

Prince Alois identified innovation, advanced manufacturing, financial services, education and technology as areas offering considerable potential for deeper economic engagement. He said the two countries could combine their complementary strengths to generate long-term benefits.

Prince Alois arrived in New Delhi from Vadodara, Gujarat, on Monday. Union Minister of State Jayant Singh received him at the airport. The Prince is accompanied by his wife, Princess Sophie, a senior official and a business delegation comprising industry leaders.

His programme includes talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House on trade and investment, science, technology, innovation and people-to-people exchanges, alongside discussions on regional and global developments.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of State for Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary are also scheduled to meet the visiting dignitary. Prince Alois will subsequently meet President Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to strengthen India–Liechtenstein engagement following the operationalisation of the India–EFTA TEPA in 2025 and create opportunities for partnerships in additional areas of mutual interest.