EFTA Delegation Set to Unveil $100 Billion Investment Pledge in India Under New Trade Pact

In a significant boost for India's economy, a high-level delegation from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is preparing to announce investments totaling $100 billion in the country. This landmark commitment comes as part of a freshly inked free trade agreement (FTA) that is slated to come into force on October 1, 2025.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal shared these exciting developments during his address at the valedictory session of the UP International Trade Show 2025 (UPITS 2025). The FTA, which was finalized back in March 2024 after years of negotiations, involves EFTA nations including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It's designed to deepen economic ties and open new avenues for collaboration.

The agreement isn't just about numbers—it's a game-changer for India's growth story. The pledged investments are expected to flow into key areas such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and information technology services, potentially creating thousands of jobs and enhancing India's position in global supply chains. For EFTA countries, this means access to India's vast consumer market and a more predictable trade environment.

This move reflects India's ongoing push to attract foreign direct investment amid a rapidly evolving global trade landscape. With tariffs being reduced on a wide range of goods and services, businesses on both sides stand to benefit from lower costs and smoother cross-border operations. Minister Goyal emphasized that the partnership will foster innovation and sustainable development, aligning with India's ambitions to become a $5 trillion economy.

As the October rollout approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly these investments materialize and the ripple effects they'll have on India's industrial landscape. This FTA could well mark the beginning of a stronger, more interconnected economic alliance between India and Europe.