India Seeks Swift Resolution of Implementation Issues with EFTA Trade Pact

India Seeks Early Resolution of Trade Agreement Issues with EFTA Bloc

India has called for the early resolution of implementation issues related to the trade agreement with the EFTA bloc, allowing businesses on both sides to fully utilize the pact. This was highlighted by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal in a recent visit to Switzerland.

The India-EFTA trade and economic partnership agreement (TEPA) came into force in October 2025. During his visit to Switzerland on May 6-7, Agrawal aimed to advance implementation of the TEPA and strengthen India-Switzerland trade and investment engagement.

EFTA, the European Free Trade Association, comprises four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Agrawal held a bilateral meeting with Helene Budlige Artieda, State Secretary, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, to discuss progress since TEPA became operational and explore ways to expand trade, investment, regulatory cooperation, and address non-tariff barriers.

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The Commerce Secretary emphasized the need to address implementation issues early so that enterprises on both sides can make full use of the agreement. However, the specific issues were not disclosed.

In a video message, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's achievements in trade agreements. India has concluded 9 free trade agreements (FTAs) with 38 developed countries in recent years. Goyal noted that within 200 days of TEPA's implementation, new Indian product lines have entered the Swiss market, services trade has gained momentum, and investment interest has strengthened.

India's exports to Switzerland exceeded USD 1.2 billion in 2025-2026. This is in line with India's growing trade with EFTA member states. For context, here is a comparison of services exports to Switzerland in 2024:

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Services exports have been a significant contributor to India's trade with Switzerland, and the country continues to explore opportunities for growth and expansion.