India-EFTA Trade Agreement effective from October 2025

BILATERAL – INDIA – EUROPE

30 APRIL 2026

• The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed on March 10, 2024, became effective from October 1, 2025.
• European Free Trade Association includes four nations; Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
• EFTA countries committed to investing $100 billion in India over the next 15 years, aimed at creating 1 million jobs.
• India received improved access for sectors like textiles, machinery, processed foods, and engineering products.
• Sensitive sectors such as dairy, soy, coal, and specific agricultural products are excluded to protect domestic industry.
• The deal includes provisions on digital trade, intellectual property rights, and professional mobility (e.g., nursing, engineering).
• While EFTA’s biggest export to India is gold, the effective duty on gold remains unchanged.
• This agreement is viewed as a significant step for India in expanding its trade network and attracting high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI).