Lugano is preparing to welcome an initiative that combines economic diplomacy, cultural exchange and reflection on sustainable development models. On 17 and 18 April the city will host “India: The Flavor of Chai and Change”, an event that aims to strengthen the dialogue between Lugano and India through a program structured around institutional meetings, economic insights, cultural experiences and convivial moments.
The heart of the event will be the Civic Palace, in the City Council Hall, while part of the program will also extend to the Iride Cinema, where the film will be screened. Srikanth, directed by Tushar Hiranandani. This choice underscores the desire to combine institutional dialogue with a narrative and cultural dimension.
An initiative in the context of sustainability
The event is part of the strategy outlined in the "Lugano Duemilatrenta" development guidelines, which focus on quality of life, environmental responsibility, and the promotion of conscious consumption patterns. In this context, the city has undertaken a journey toward fair trade in recent years, culminating in its recognition as a "Fair Trade Town" in May 2023.
This milestone confirms the administration's commitment to supporting sustainable supply chains and fostering greater awareness among citizens and businesses. The initiative dedicated to India is therefore a natural evolution of this process, expanding its international scope.
According to Mayor Michele Foletti, the goal is clear: Lugano intends to serve as a platform for dialogue on key issues such as sustainability, economic cooperation, and fair trade, while also fostering concrete relationships between local communities and economic actors.
Economy and cooperation at the centre of the first day
The event will kick off on Friday, April 17, with the workshop “India: New Perspectives for Swiss Trade,” dedicated to the opportunities offered by the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
The meeting will provide a forum for discussion between institutions, businesses, and academia, with the aim of analyzing the prospects for economic cooperation and the scenarios opened up by the recent trade agreement.
Following the official opening, local authorities and diplomats will address the event, including the mayor of Lugano and the Indian ambassador to Switzerland, alongside representatives from the economic, cultural, and academic sectors. This event is designed to outline the guidelines for dialogue between the two contexts and highlight potential synergies.
Culture, wellness, and gastronomy on the second day
The program will continue on Saturday, April 18, with the conference "Fair and Sustainable India," dedicated to topics such as social inclusion, fair trade, and environmental sustainability. This will be an opportunity to explore the transformations underway in India and to consider models that can be replicated at the European level.
Alongside the institutional meetings, the day will offer more immersive experiences. These include a masterclass by chef Pietro Leemann, who will offer a contemporary reinterpretation of Indian cuisine, as well as a presentation of fair trade products and moments dedicated to wellness.
Finally, there will be a musical component, with a soundscape inspired by the rhythms and traditions of India, designed to take the audience on a cultural journey that transcends geographical boundaries.
A network of institutional collaborations
The event is promoted by the City of Lugano in collaboration with several institutional and academic partners, including the Indian Embassy in Bern, the Swiss Fair Trade Association, the Ticino Chamber of Commerce, Franklin University Switzerland, and the Lugano OtherMovie Film Festival.
A network that demonstrates the desire to build a multidisciplinary dialogue, capable of bringing together economics, culture, and education in a single platform for discussion.
The complete program of the event is available online at:
www.lugano.ch/eventoindia2026
Interested parties can register by sending a request via email to:
economia@lugano.ch
Lugano, Locarno, and Mendrisio: three cities, one cultural vision for 2030
