Modi meets Liechtenstein royals to bolster trade and $100 billion investment goal
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Trade and investment mobilization: a GS2 International Relations case study on India-EFTA relations.
Why in news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein to bolster bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and science and technology.
Background
The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was signed in March 2024 after 16 years of negotiations. The agreement aims for a $100 billion investment from EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) into India over a 15-year period.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyEFTA: European Free Trade Association, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- FactIndia-EFTA TEPA target: $100 billion investment over 15 years.
- Act / BillIndia-EFTA TEPA: Signed in March 2024 and came into effect in October 2025.
- PlaceHyderabad House: Venue for the meeting between PM Modi and the Liechtenstein royals.
Prelims practice question
Which group of countries is included in the EFTA (European Free Trade Association)?
- (a)France, Germany, Italy, and Spain
- (b)Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic
- (c)Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
- (d)Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Ireland
Show answer
Answer: (c) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland — The note identifies EFTA as comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
For Mains
Q. Examine how trade agreements like the India-EFTA TEPA contribute to India's objective of becoming a global manufacturing and investment hub.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Investment mobilization: Leveraging TEPA to secure $100 billion in capital for infrastructure and technology
- Strategic diversification: Reducing import reliance by strengthening ties with EFTA nations
- Tech-trade nexus: Integrating science and innovation cooperation into bilateral trade frameworks
Keywords: Bilateral Cooperation · Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement · Investment Mobilization · Strategic Partnership · EFTA
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.