New Delhi witnessed a pivotal diplomatic encounter on Wednesday as India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Spanish counterpart, Jose Manuel Albares. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to democratic principles, zero tolerance for terrorism, and expanding economic ties, setting the stage for deeper India-Spain collaboration.
Jaishankar opened the meeting with a stark reminder of global shifts. ‘The world is undergoing profound changes,’ he stated, emphasizing that joint action on common challenges, particularly combating terrorism, is more critical than ever. Both nations, having suffered from terror attacks, must lead with unwavering resolve against this menace.
Highlighting the warmth in bilateral relations, Jaishankar pointed to their roots in shared democratic values and respect for multilateralism. This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, a milestone that will be celebrated alongside a dedicated year for culture, tourism, and artificial intelligence in 2026.
Political engagement has intensified through high-level exchanges, Jaishankar noted. The upcoming AI Impact Summit in India next month reflects a human-centric, inclusive approach to AI ethics, aligning closely with European perspectives.
Economic partnership forms a cornerstone of this relationship. Spain ranks as a key EU trade partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $8 billion recently. Spanish firms excel in India’s infrastructure, renewable energy, urban mobility, water management, and smart cities sectors. Indian companies thrive in Spain’s IT, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components markets, promising further growth.
Defense cooperation is gaining momentum, with the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft expected by September, symbolizing robust industrial ties and manufacturing prowess.
Cultural bonds enrich the partnership. Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian heritage flourish in Spain, while Spanish language and culture captivate India. Tourism bridges people-to-people connections, with commitments to enhance mobility, education exchanges, and institutional partnerships.
This meeting reaffirms India and Spain’s resolve to navigate global uncertainties together, fostering a multifaceted alliance for the future.