New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Dr. Deepak Mittal, Managing Director of International Tractors Limited (ITL), the manufacturer of Sonalika and Solis tractors, to an official luncheon hosted in honour of H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois, Crown Prince of Liechtenstein, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on October 27, 2026. The diplomatic gathering brought together political and business representatives as India and Liechtenstein seek to deepen economic cooperation under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The invitation came as ITL celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking another milestone for the Hoshiarpur-based tractor manufacturer, which has expanded its operations from Punjab to international agricultural machinery markets.
The luncheon formed part of the Crown Prince’s visit to India, accompanied by a high-level delegation of European industrialists. According to ITL, discussions centred on strengthening bilateral economic relations, particularly in advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, sustainable development and cross-border investment.
The engagement also highlighted the role of Indian private-sector enterprises in developing commercial partnerships with European economies as the India-EFTA trade agreement creates opportunities for greater investment and industrial collaboration.
Deepak Mittal Highlights India’s Growing Manufacturing Presence
Commenting on the invitation, Dr. Deepak Mittal expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the diplomatic gathering and emphasised the importance of India’s expanding international economic relationships.
“It is a privilege to be part of an occasion that reflects India’s growing engagement and stature on the international stage. I am sincerely grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for this distinguished invitation to the luncheon honouring H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois, Crown Prince of Liechtenstein.”
Mittal also highlighted the growing international presence of Indian tractor manufacturers, stating that every third tractor exported from India carries the Sonalika or Solis brand.
The company views the latest diplomatic engagement as recognition of the contribution Indian manufacturing businesses can make to international trade, technology partnerships and industrial development.
Sonalika Tractors Completes 30 Years of Global Expansion
Established in 1996, International Tractors Limited began its manufacturing journey in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, where it produced its first tractor with the word ‘INTERNATIONAL’ prominently displayed on it.
At the time, the designation reflected the company’s ambition to compete beyond India’s domestic agricultural machinery market. Three decades later, ITL says its tractors have reached more than 150 countries, turning that early declaration into a considerably wider business footprint.
According to the company, ITL has maintained its position as India’s leading tractor export brand for eight consecutive years. It also claims to rank among the world’s five largest tractor brands, with leadership positions in the addressable segments of 15 countries.
These figures illustrate the company’s international expansion and the increasing presence of Indian agricultural machinery manufacturers in overseas markets.
For ITL, the international business strategy has centred on expanding its distribution network, strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and building recognition for the Sonalika and Solis brands.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Mittal said, “Three decades ago, when we inscribed ‘INTERNATIONAL’ on our very first tractor, it was our bold ambition to take Indian engineering to the world and today, it is immensely gratifying to see how far that ambition has taken us to stand tall among the top 5 global tractor giants.”
India-EFTA Agreement Opens New Opportunities for Industrial Cooperation
The diplomatic luncheon took place against the backdrop of India’s expanding economic engagement with the European Free Trade Association, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement provides a framework for closer economic cooperation between India and the four European countries, including opportunities in manufacturing, technology and investment.
For Indian industrial businesses, such cooperation could support access to new commercial relationships, advanced technologies and international markets.
Liechtenstein’s participation is particularly relevant to discussions surrounding specialised industrial manufacturing and technology-driven enterprise. The involvement of business leaders from both countries reflects an emphasis on translating diplomatic engagement into practical commercial opportunities.
Although ITL did not announce any specific investment agreement or manufacturing partnership arising from the luncheon, the company’s participation placed an Indian agricultural machinery manufacturer within a broader discussion on bilateral economic cooperation.
Indian Manufacturing Looks Beyond Domestic Markets
ITL’s three-decade journey reflects a wider shift in Indian manufacturing, with domestic companies increasingly seeking international customers and competing with established global businesses.
The company’s expansion from its first tractor in 1996 to operations spanning more than 150 countries demonstrates how export-oriented ambitions have become central to its growth strategy.
Mittal suggested that the company’s future priorities would remain closely linked to strengthening India’s manufacturing capabilities and improving its competitiveness internationally.
“The true strength of an Indian enterprise lies not just in how far it has come, but in how boldly it continues to challenge global benchmarks. I believe our greatest achievements are still ahead of us as we are determined to take India’s manufacturing excellence to even greater heights.”
As India works to strengthen trade relationships with European economies, the participation of manufacturers such as International Tractors Limited in high-level diplomatic engagements illustrates the growing connection between industrial enterprise and economic diplomacy. For ITL, the occasion also brought its 30-year journey into focus: from a tractor bearing an ambitious international identity in Hoshiarpur to a company seeking a larger role in global agricultural mechanisation.
