India-EFTA Desk Seeks To Help India Achieve Its Green Goals
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – a group of nations consisting of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – inaugurated the India-EFTA Desk on January 10 in New Delhi. This inauguration makes EFTA the first European bloc to formalize a trade past with India. The initiative was announced at the conclusion of the recently concluded India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
Commenting on the event, India’s Minister of Commerce and Ministry Piyush Goyal commented, “This desk will serve as the bridge between businesses on both sides, ensuring transparency, trust, and ease of doing business.” He further wrote on social media site X, “This dedicated platform will serve as a bridge between businesses of India & EFTA, providing business facilitation & regulatory guidance while strengthening trade & investment ties under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).”
The India-EFTA Desk will provide structured support to EFTA businesses looking to invest, expand, or establish operations in India. High-ranking dignitaries from all four EFTA nations attended the launch, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic ties.
The India-EFTA Desk provides a window of opportunity for investment in renewable energy, as countries such as Norway and Iceland have notable expertise in green energy. Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada highlighted EFTA’s strategic importance to India’s development goals, citing Norway’s expertise in green shipping and Iceland’s leadership in geothermal energy.
The India-EFTA Desk was welcomed by the EFTA member states. Iceland’s Permanent Secretary of Trade and Industry, Mr. Martin Eyjolfsson called TEPA “the most significant trade agreement EFTA has signed in decades”. He highlighted growing cooperation in renewable energy, seafood, and pharmaceuticals, positioning TEPA as a stabilizing force amid global economic uncertainty.
The India-EFTA Desk will drive investment in renewable energy, life sciences, engineering, and digital transformation.
