International Tractors Limited (ITL), the manufacturer of Sonalika and Solis tractors, marked a moment of distinction as its Managing Director, D. Deepak Mittal, received an invitation from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to attend an official luncheon in honour of HSH Hereditary Prince Alois, Crown Prince of Liechtenstein. The luncheon was held on October 27, 2026, at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
The occasion brought together senior representatives and business leaders from India and Liechtenstein, reflecting the growing economic and strategic engagement between the two countries. Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Key areas of engagement included advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, sustainable development and cross-border investments.
Dr Mittal’s participation highlighted the role of Indian manufacturing enterprises in strengthening international business partnerships and expanding India’s industrial presence in global markets. The engagement also provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Indian companies in advancing trade, technology collaboration and commercial ties with European economies.
The invitation comes as ITL celebrates 30 years of operations in 2026. The company’s journey began in 1996, when it rolled out its first tractor from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, prominently carrying the name ‘INTERNATIONAL’. The move reflected its ambition to take Indian engineering beyond domestic markets and compete with established global manufacturers.
Over the past three decades, ITL has expanded its international footprint to more than 150 countries. Sonalika has consistently held the position of India’s No. 1 tractor export brand for the last eight years, while the group ranks among the world’s five largest tractor brands and holds leadership positions in 15 countries in its addressable segment. The company also states that every third tractor exported from India carries a Sonalika or Solis brand.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr Deepak Mittal, Managing Director, International Tractors Limited, said, “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. The implementation of the historic India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement and the discussions on advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, sustainable development and cross-border investment underline the opportunities for stronger economic cooperation.
“Three decades ago, when we inscribed ‘INTERNATIONAL’ on our very first tractor, it was our bold ambition to take Indian engineering to the world. Today, it is immensely gratifying to see how far that ambition has taken us, as we stand among the top five global tractor brands. 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. We are determined to take India’s manufacturing excellence to even greater heights.”
Founded in 1996, Sonalika Tractors is India’s No. 1 tractor export brand and one of the country’s leading tractor manufacturers. Headquartered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, the company has established a presence in more than 150 countries and operates under the philosophy of ‘Jeetne Ka Dum’.
Sonalika operates an integrated tractor manufacturing facility and produces tractors designed for diverse farming applications and operating conditions. A Fortune 500 India organisation, the company is recognised for its manufacturing capabilities, technology focus and farmer-oriented approach. It has also introduced price transparency in the tractor industry by publishing tractor prices and service costs on its website. In 2026, Sonalika celebrates 30 years of contributing to farm mechanisation, supporting farmers and strengthening India’s presence in the global agricultural equipment market.
