External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Spain on January 13-14, 2025, marking his first visit to the European country in his capacity as India’s Foreign Minister. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit will focus on deepening bilateral relations between the two nations and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
During his stay in Spain, Jaishankar will meet with key Spanish leaders, including his counterpart, Foreign Minister Manuel Albares. Discussions are expected to cover a wide array of topics, including political, economic, and strategic cooperation. In addition, the minister will address the 9th Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors and engage with the Indian community in Spain.
This visit builds upon the recent high-level exchanges between India and Spain. In October 2024, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez visited India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was the first official visit by a Spanish President to India in 18 years and marked a turning point in bilateral relations. Both leaders underscored the renewed momentum in ties, particularly in defense, trade, and technology sectors.
A highlight of the Sanchez-Modi visit was the inauguration of the Final Assembly Line Plant for the C-295 aircraft in Vadodara. The facility, a joint venture between Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd., will produce the first “Made in India” C-295 aircraft by 2026. This collaboration is a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, with plans to manufacture a total of 40 aircraft locally. Additionally, 16 C-295 aircraft are being delivered in “fly-away” condition, with six already handed over to the Indian Air Force.
