India can tap Switzerland's innovation with FTA, says Ralf Heckner

The objective of the Swiss government when it comes to the Swiss financial centre is twofold - sustainability and that all countries should adhere to the same international standards

Switzerland, known for its foreign policy neutrality, has for the first time joined the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member after joining the UN in 2002. Switzerland ambassador to India, Ralf Heckner, tells Asit Ranjan Mishra in an interview that India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) grouping of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway aim to accelerate the long-pending trade negotiations starting next month. Edited excerpts:

Switzerland is an invitee to the Finance Track during India’s ongoing G20 presidency and cryptocurrency is part of the agenda. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor has advocated banning