During his two-day visit to Spain, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares on Monday, advocating for deeper collaboration to strengthen ties between India and Spain.
Jaishankar shared that two key agreements were signed—one focused on sports and the other on sustainable urban development. He noted that these agreements reflect an expansion of cooperation between the nations and highlighted Spain’s important influence in the EU. He mentioned that Spain’s support in Brussels could play a vital role in furthering India-EU relations.
Jaishankar also encouraged Spain to participate in India’s “Make in India” initiative, highlighting the presence of over 230 Spanish companies in India. He welcomed more companies to join the initiatives, including “Make in India” and “Design in India.” He also pointed to the progress made in defense and security, particularly the recent delivery of a C295 aircraft, and expressed eagerness to expand cooperation in these areas.
Looking to enhance people-to-people connections, Jaishankar proposed 2026 as a year dedicated to artificial intelligence, culture, and tourism between India and Spain, believing it will help foster closer ties.
He expressed his satisfaction with the recent opening of the Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru, calling it a positive step for strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the increasing need for the mobility of skilled professionals, especially in AI, between both countries.
Jaishankar also discussed India’s growing interests in the Mediterranean, noting that trade with Mediterranean countries amounts to USD 80 billion annually. He mentioned India’s involvement in defense, security, and green hydrogen projects in the region, stressing the importance of Spain’s support in enhancing India’s role in the Mediterranean.
Additionally, Jaishankar spoke about India’s peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon and the Golan Heights under the UN, underscoring shared interests in global peace and security. He expressed confidence that stronger India-Spain cooperation and closer ties between India and the EU would help stabilize the global situation. “Countries with aligned interests should collaborate more closely,” he concluded.
