This potential agreement is fueled by broader shifts in global supply chains, as many Western nations seek to diversify manufacturing away from China. India's market size, growing economy, and favorable investment policies have created an attractive environment for Switzerland, especially in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing. Both Swiss and Norwegian governments have expressed optimism about the bilateral economic advantages that the deal promises, though some areas, such as agricultural market access, continue to see minor negotiation roadblocks.
Expected to be one of the largest foreign direct investments (FDI) in India’s history, the Swiss-backed initiative seeks to generate over one million jobs across India's manufacturing and services sectors. The agreement also includes provisions to protect intellectual property rights, a particularly sensitive issue in past negotiations, now resolved through consensus. Indian professionals are set to benefit as well, with improved access to EFTA’s job markets, reflecting a mutual commitment to balancing industrial and labor interests.