EFTA trade deal: $100B investments, 1 million jobs in 15 years
India's new trade pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—that's Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—came into effect on October 1, 2025.
It's a big first for India with developed European countries and brings $100 billion in promised investments plus one million new jobs over the next 15 years.
What does the deal mean for India?
This deal makes it way easier for Indian goods (think coffee, tea, textiles, electronics) to reach EFTA countries, thanks to lower tariffs on nearly all exports.
India also gets better access for its services (from nursing to accountancy), while still protecting sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture.
There's even a focus on innovation and sustainability, with new opportunities in renewable energy and tech—so if you're eyeing future careers or startups, this could open some exciting doors.