By Admin 
Martin Saladin, economic affairs officer in the Swiss government, said on Wednesday (October 15, 2025) that his country is looking towards India as an economic partner amid US tariffs. Describing Trump’s tariffs as worrying, he said, “Switzerland also currently has a 39 percent tariff, which is very high. This is definitely a challenge. At the same time, it is also an opportunity.”
‘India is a big priority in our strategy’
Martin Saladin said, “What we have been trying for years is to diversify markets. India is a big priority in our strategy as a business.” Switzerland is among the countries on which US President Trump has imposed the highest tariffs. Here 39 percent tariff was implemented from August 2025. This came after a delegation led by Swiss President Karin Suter failed to strike a trade deal after meeting with Trump in Washington DC.”
In which areas does Switzerland want participation?
Regarding investment, Martin Saladin said that Switzerland wants more cooperation in areas like railways, ropeway and tunnel technology. The India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) were signed in New Delhi on 10 March 2024. It came into effect from 1 October 2025.
This is India’s first free trade agreement with four developed European countries Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The aim of this understanding is to bring investment of 100 billion US dollars in India in the next 15 years. Also, 10 lakh direct employment has to be created.
Martin Saladin said, “We have just implemented a free trade agreement between the EFT and India. We depend on India for assistance with investments under the TEPA agreement. India depends on Switzerland to promote investment.”
Read this also: Demand of 50 lakhs, deal made for 22 lakhs… CBI caught CGST Superintendent red handed taking bribe of 5 lakhs