Published: 18 October 2025PIBEconomy
India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement Begins Implementation
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the EFTA States (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), which entered into force on October 1, 2025, began showing early implementation results in the third week of October. The agreement, signed on March 10, 2024 in New Delhi, includes a binding USD 100 billion investment commitment over 15 years from EFTA nations.
EFTA offered 92.2% of tariff lines covering 99.6% of India's exports, including 100% of non-agricultural products. India offered commitments in 105 sub-sectors of services. The EFTA investment commitment aims to generate 1 million direct jobs in India. The agreement marks India's first FTA with a European bloc and could serve as a template for the India-EU FTA negotiations currently underway.
0Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement as a template for India's FTAs with European economies.
Answer (50 words):
The India-EFTA TEPA with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, signed March 2024 and in force from October 1, 2025, carries a binding $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years, targeting 1 million direct jobs. EFTA offered 92.2 percent of tariff lines covering 99.6 percent of Indian exports — India's first European FTA.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
Maharashtra surpassed which state in container handling capacity after BMCT Phase 2?
Explanation · Correct answer CMaharashtra surpassed Gujarat (8.2 million TEU) with 10 million TEU in container handling capacity.
Frequently asked questions
When did the India-EFTA trade agreement enter into force and begin showing early results?
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on October 1, 2025, and began showing early implementation results in the third week of October. It was signed on March 10, 2024, in New Delhi.
Which EFTA States are part of TEPA, and what investment commitment did they make?
The EFTA States are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The agreement includes a binding USD 100 billion investment commitment over 15 years from EFTA nations.
What tariff and services commitments were made under the agreement?
EFTA offered 92.2% of tariff lines covering 99.6% of India's exports, including 100% of non-agricultural products. India offered commitments in 105 sub-sectors of services.
What jobs target and wider trade significance were linked to the EFTA investment commitment?
The EFTA investment commitment aims to generate 1 million direct jobs in India. The agreement marks India's first FTA with a European bloc and could serve as a template for India-EU FTA negotiations.
