Liechtenstein backs India's UNSC 2028-29 bid, jointly condemns Pahalgam attack
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
India and Liechtenstein on 27 October 2026 jointly condemned terrorism in all its forms — including cross-border terrorism — and specifically called out the Pahalgam terror attack of 22 April 2025, as the two nations issued a Joint Statement during the State Visit of Hereditary Prince Alois, Liechtenstein's Acting Head of State, to New Delhi. Liechtenstein also formally expressed readiness to back India's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2028-29.
Joint Condemnation of Terrorism
The Joint Statement was unambiguous on the question of terrorism. 'The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, and stressed the importance of bringing those responsible to justice,' the statement read.
Both sides further underlined the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorist financing — a dimension that has gained renewed urgency in multilateral forums following a series of cross-border attacks in South Asia.
Liechtenstein's Support for India's UNSC Bid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois for Liechtenstein's readiness to support India's candidature for a non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the term 2028-29, according to the Joint Statement. The endorsement adds a European voice to India's ongoing diplomatic campaign for Council membership, which New Delhi has been pursuing across multiple bilateral engagements.
Both leaders also reaffirmed support for reform of the UN Security Council to make it 'more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable,' and agreed to work together to strengthen multilateral institutions, including through initiatives such as UN80.
AI Governance, DTAA and Bilateral Ties
The two sides agreed that the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be grounded in international law — including human rights law — and should contribute to improving lives, empowering citizens, and advancing sustainable development. This places both nations within a growing international consensus that AI regulation must have a human-rights anchor.
On the economic front, India acknowledged receipt of a draft Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) from Liechtenstein. Both sides expressed readiness to consider formalising such a pact, which would provide greater legal certainty and predictability for investors and businesses operating across the two jurisdictions.
Separately, Prince Alois extended an invitation to PM Modi to undertake a bilateral visit to Liechtenstein at a mutually convenient date — a gesture that signals intent to deepen what has historically been a limited bilateral relationship.
Context and Significance
Liechtenstein, while a small European principality, holds a seat at the United Nations and has a reputation for principled multilateralism. Its endorsement of India's UNSC bid is notable given ongoing diplomatic competition for non-permanent seats. This visit comes amid India's active post-Pahalgam diplomacy, with New Delhi systematically seeking international solidarity and accountability on cross-border terrorism from partners across regions.