India's Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on official visit to Liechtenstein
On January 7, 2026, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal visited Liechtenstein. This was the first official visit by an Indian trade minister to Liechtenstein. The visit focused on bilateral economic relations, the implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), an exchange with the Liechtenstein business community, and discussions on a possible double taxation agreement (DTA). The visit marks an important step toward further deepening relations between the two countries.
After courtesy visits to H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein and Prime Minister Brigitte Haas, Minister Goyal met with Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni for working talks. Minister Goyal's high-level visit to Liechtenstein is a reflection of the intensified bilateral relations between Liechtenstein and India.
The talks focused on the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the EFTA states of Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland. The joint free trade agreement came into force in 2025. Liechtenstein and India emphasized that the agreement opens up new opportunities for trade and investment and offers companies on both sides comprehensive market access and better framework conditions. The exchange included discussions on promoting investment, creating high-quality jobs, removing trade barriers, expanding resilient supply chains, and the potential for further cooperation in the areas of economics and vocational training. Global developments in the field of trade and the dangers of increasing protectionism were also discussed. Liechtenstein emphasized the importance of a rules-based trading system.
A double taxation agreement between Liechtenstein and India is of particular importance to Liechtenstein. During the talks, the Liechtenstein side emphasized that such an agreement would contribute to greater legal certainty for companies in both countries and thus significantly facilitate cross-border investment.
Following the political talks, a tour of Hilti AG was conducted, and a business roundtable organized by the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LIHK) was held with representatives of leading Liechtenstein companies. The companies exchanged views directly with Trade Minister Goyal on investment opportunities and existing obstacles. The private sector also emphasized the importance of a DTA.
The discussions highlighted the mutual interest in expanding existing economic relations and exploiting opportunities for partnerships. Topics such as sustainability, technological development, and cooperation in the field of vocational training were also discussed. Liechtenstein and its companies have, among other things, considerable expertise in the field of vocational training, which could be of interest to India. Looking to the future, both sides agreed to continue the dialogue and to examine concrete steps to further strengthen bilateral economic relations.