Zillar Barta Desk,New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting took place during Prince Alois’s four-day state visit to India from October 25 to 28, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The visit is aimed at providing fresh momentum to India-Liechtenstein relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation across economic and technological sectors.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reflecting their shared interest in strengthening diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Economic cooperation was a key focus of the bilateral discussions. India and Liechtenstein have been seeking to deepen their commercial relationship, particularly following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in October 2025.
The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships between India and the four EFTA member states—Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
Under the agreement, the EFTA states have committed to facilitating investments of $100 billion in India over 15 years, alongside efforts to generate employment. The investment framework is intended to support India's manufacturing capabilities, economic growth and integration with European markets.
For India, closer engagement with Liechtenstein offers an opportunity to strengthen commercial links with a European economy known for its advanced manufacturing industries, specialised industrial products and financial services. For Liechtenstein, India represents a major market with expanding industrial, technological and infrastructure requirements.
The discussions between Modi and Prince Alois are expected to contribute to efforts to translate the opportunities created by the trade agreement into stronger business relationships and long-term economic cooperation.
Beyond trade and investment, the meeting also focused on cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
India has been expanding its engagement with European partners in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, research and innovation. Liechtenstein, despite its relatively small size, has a highly developed industrial economy with specialised manufacturing and technology-oriented businesses.
Cooperation in these fields could open opportunities for companies, research institutions and entrepreneurs from both countries to explore partnerships, exchange expertise and identify areas of shared interest.
The two sides also discussed people-to-people exchanges, an important component of bilateral relations. Greater engagement between businesses, professionals, researchers and other institutions can help build lasting connections and encourage collaboration beyond formal diplomatic meetings.
Earlier on Tuesday, Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the visiting royal couple during the official reception. The ceremony underscored the diplomatic importance attached to the visit and the relationship between India and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
In a statement, Prince Alois said the visit reflected the importance his country attached to its relationship with India. He also highlighted the significance of the India-EFTA trade agreement, which entered into force in 2025, and expressed Liechtenstein's determination to build on the momentum in bilateral ties.
The visiting prince thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation and expressed his country's interest in further strengthening cooperation with India.
As part of the official programme, Prince Alois and Princess Sophie visited Rajghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and paid tribute to the Father of the Nation.
The visit formed part of the diplomatic engagements organised during the royal couple's stay in India. Such ceremonial visits traditionally recognise the historical and cultural significance of prominent national figures while providing an opportunity for visiting dignitaries to engage with the host country's heritage.
The royal couple's engagements in New Delhi followed their earlier programme in Mumbai and Vadodara.
Prince Alois was also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President was set to host an official banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also engaged with the prince during the visit. The minister highlighted the positive momentum in India-Liechtenstein relations, particularly the opportunities arising from the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
The participation of senior Indian leaders and officials in the programme reflects the importance India attaches to expanding its partnerships with European countries.
The current visit is Prince Alois's second trip to India in 2026. He previously visited New Delhi in February to attend the AI Impact Summit. He had also visited India in 2010 and 2018.
India and Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations in 1993. Over the years, the two countries have developed friendly relations and explored opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
The implementation of the India-EFTA agreement has added a new economic dimension to this relationship. With its large domestic market, industrial base and growing technology sector, India offers opportunities for European businesses seeking to expand their international engagement.
Liechtenstein's specialised industries and business expertise could complement India's economic priorities in areas such as advanced manufacturing, innovation and industrial development.
However, the success of these opportunities will depend on the ability of businesses and institutions in both countries to establish practical partnerships and turn the agreement's provisions into tangible commercial outcomes.
Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Hereditary Prince Alois represents another step in India's efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement with European partners.
The discussions covered a broad range of subjects, including trade, investment, technology, innovation and people-to-people exchanges, while also addressing regional and international developments.
As India and Liechtenstein look to build on the opportunities created by the EFTA trade agreement, the visit provides a platform for identifying new areas of cooperation and strengthening existing partnerships.
The outcome of these engagements will be assessed in the coming years through the development of business relationships, investment activity and collaboration across sectors of mutual interest. The visit nevertheless signals a shared intention to maintain the momentum in bilateral relations and explore new avenues for long-term cooperation.
The key takeaway: The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hereditary Prince Alois placed economic cooperation, investment, science and technology at the centre of the India-Liechtenstein partnership, with the India-EFTA trade agreement providing an important framework for future engagement.
