PM Modi Meets Liechtenstein’s Prince Alois, Princess Sophie to Discuss Trade and Investment Ties

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting will also provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss people-to-people exchanges and exchange views on regional and global developments.

The meeting comes during Prince Alois’s state visit to India, which the government expects to give fresh momentum to bilateral engagement, particularly following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in 2025.

Jaishankar highlights opportunities under India-EFTA agreement

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on Prince Alois to discuss bilateral relations and emerging opportunities under the India-EFTA TEPA.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said the partnership was gaining momentum across several areas, supported by opportunities created by the trade agreement. He also said the prince’s meeting with Modi would help advance cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement has provided a framework for expanding economic engagement between India and EFTA members, including Liechtenstein.

Prince Alois receives ceremonial welcome

Prince Alois was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi received him.

Expressing appreciation for the invitation and welcome, the prince described the visit as a significant milestone in India-Liechtenstein relations.

He said the state visit reflected the importance Liechtenstein attached to its relationship with India and reiterated his country's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Prince Alois also described the conclusion of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement as an important development, adding that both countries were determined to build on the momentum generated by the agreement.

Innovation, manufacturing and financial services in focus

Highlighting areas with potential for closer cooperation, Prince Alois identified innovation, advanced manufacturing, financial services, education and technology as sectors in which India and Liechtenstein could combine their respective strengths.

He said stronger engagement across these fields could deliver long-term benefits to both countries.

The discussions are expected to build on existing economic links while identifying additional opportunities for businesses and institutions in the two countries.

Further high-level meetings scheduled

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary are also scheduled to meet Prince Alois during his visit.

The prince is subsequently due to meet President Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour.

He arrived in New Delhi from Vadodara in Gujarat on Monday and was received at the airport by Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary.

According to the MEA, the visit is intended to deepen friendly relations between India and Liechtenstein and expand partnerships in areas of mutual interest, particularly following the operationalisation of the India-EFTA TEPA in 2025.