In a recent development, External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar embarked on an official visit to Spain from 13-14th January, 2025. His maiden visit to Spain entailed various engagements that took place during two days. He started his visit with a floral tribute to the Statute of Mahatma Gandhi in Madrid.
He called on the Spanish Leadership, HM King Felipe VI and the President of Spain H.E. Mr. Pedro Sanchez. During the discussions that followed, the two sides expressed satisfaction at regular high-level exchanges and interactions that have been taking place and agreed to utilize the momentum built by the recent visit of President Sanchez to India, which has only furthered the ties between the countries. In an update on X, Dr. Jaishankar states “Honored to call on His Majesty King Felipe VI today in Madrid. Conveyed the warm wishes of President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi. Value his guidance for further advancement of India-Spain ties”. In another, he stated “Called on the President of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Recalled his successful visit to India which reaffirmed our long standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral agenda”.
Thereafter, the EAM interacted with the Defence Minister of Spain, Ms. Margarita Robles, and marked that the C-295 Aircraft Assembly line Plant at Vadodara has been a significant project that has taken the defence and security cooperation between India and Spain to the next stage, adding momentum to their existing partnership. Subsequently, the two sides reaffirmed to strengthen cooperation in the defence sector. In an update on X, Dr. Jaishankar states “A productive exchange of views with Defense Minister Margarita Robles today in Madrid. Discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, as also regional and global issues”.
Furthermore, the EAM held a meeting with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Mr. Jose Manuel Albares, and discussed the entire range of bilateral relations along with the issues of regional and global interest. The leaders expressed contentment with the progress in the domains of trade & economy, defence & security, tourism, culture, and people-to-people connections. The discussion also centred around increasing collaboration in new and emerging sectors of digital technology, AI, renewable energy, and space among others. The EAM also signed MoUs on cooperation in the field of sports and in the field of sustainable urban development. Taking to X, Dr. Jaishankar mentioned “Delighted to hold wide-ranging talks with Foreign Minister of Spain today. Productive conversation on our bilateral partnership including in-trade, investment, defense, security, urban development, railway, green hydrogen, climate action, and people-to-people ties. India appreciates Spain as a votary for stronger India-EU ties and a reliable Mediterranean partner. Signed agreements on sports and sustainable urban development. We also exchanged views on cooperation in the UN, G20, Mediterranean, and the Indo-Pacific. And discussed developments in Ukraine, West Asia, and other regions. As India and Spain prepare to celebrate 2026 as the Year of Culture, Tourism and AI, our exchanges throughout 2025 will strengthen India-Spain ties and create new momentum for cooperation”.
Other Engagements
Both the Foreign Ministers also jointly addressed the Press after the meeting. They participated at the 9th Annual Conference of Ambassadors in Madrid, themed “A Foreign Policy with Our Own Identity”. The leaders also participated in the Spain-India Council Foundation session on Strategic Alliances for a Changing World: Spain and India in the 21st Century. Additionally, the EAM also interacted with the Indian community in Spain and reiterated India’s increasing role on the global stage, with Indians being an integral part of the Viksit Bharat journey.
