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India–EFTA partnership: "one plus one equals three"
ஏன் செய்தியில்?
Four countries, none in the EU: the EFTA list every trade-agreement answer in GS2 must name
The India–EFTA TEPA, in force since 1 October 2025, is highlighted as a template for Europe ties.
Why it matters: general awareness
What you need to know
2 நிமிடம்
The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on 1 October 2025.
EFTA comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and is separate from the European Union.
Commentary on the first anniversary stresses that deeper India–Europe ties can deliver across trade, investment and technology.
ஆதாரங்கள்: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
முக்கிய உண்மைகள்
Remember these
- India–EFTA TEPA entered into force on 1 October 2025.
- EFTA members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
- EFTA is a separate bloc from the European Union.
- TEPA stands for Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
- Sweden left EFTA in 1995 when it joined the EU.
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ் · மெயின்ஸ்
How the exam will ask it
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ்
- The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
- EFTA is distinct from the European Union, and its members are not all EU members.
- The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement came into force on 1 October 2025.
மெயின்ஸ்
GS2 International Relations / GS3 Economy: India's trade diversification is shifting towards comprehensive partnerships such as the India–EFTA TEPA. Assess how the agreement can deepen trade, investment and technology cooperation with Europe, and why a template approach matters for other European ties. Way forward: ensure effective implementation, protect sensitive sectors and build on the model for wider engagement with Europe.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Which of the following is NOT a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), with which India's Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) entered into force on 1 October 2025?
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Sweden
- Switzerland
விடையைக் காட்டு
விடை: C — Correct: Sweden — Sweden left EFTA in 1995 when it joined the European Union, so it is not a member today. • Iceland — wrong: Iceland is an EFTA member, along with Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. • Liechtenstein — wrong: Liechtenstein is an EFTA member and a party to the India–EFTA TEPA. • Switzerland — wrong: Switzerland is an EFTA member and the largest economy in the bloc.
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