India-Liechtenstein Ties Strengthened as PM Modi Hosts Prince Alois
Liechtenstein's Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Monday, in a meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The talks took place in New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement that the visiting royal couple had been warmly welcomed at Hyderabad House. The statement added that the discussions centred on ways to reinforce the bilateral partnership.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a separate meeting with Prince Alois. The two discussed the current state of bilateral ties as well as the new avenues opening up under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
Writing on X, Jaishankar said he was glad to meet Prince Alois during his State Visit to India. He credited the India-EFTA TEPA with creating opportunities that were accelerating the partnership across several domains. He also said he looked forward to the Prince's subsequent meeting with Prime Minister Modi, which he expected would further advance cooperation.
A formal welcome ceremony was held for Prince Alois in the courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi extended a warm reception to the visiting dignitary.
In remarks to reporters, the Prince thanked President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi for their hospitality. He said it was a privilege to be part of Liechtenstein's first State Visit to India. He noted that the historic journey reflected the high priority his country gives to its relationship with India.
On Tuesday, Prince Alois is set to hold meetings with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary. He will also meet President Murmu, and an official banquet has been organised to honour him.
The Prince reached New Delhi on Monday from Vadodara in Gujarat. Union Minister of State Jayant Singh received him at the airport.