External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has wrapped up a meaningful visit to Spain, which included discussions with King Felipe VI, President Pedro Sanchez, and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Taking place on January 13-14, 2025, this was his inaugural visit to Spain as External Affairs Minister. The visit underscored the strengthening ties between India and Spain, focusing on potential collaborations in trade, defense, technology, and culture.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar calls on Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in Madrid on January 14, 2025. (X/@DrSJaishankar)
During the visit, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed: one on sports cooperation and the other on sustainable urban development.
Fostering Collaboration in New and Emerging Sectors
On Monday, January 13, 2025, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Albares held discussions to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, along with regional and global issues of shared interest.
The ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made across various sectors, including trade and economy, defence and security, tourism, culture, and people-to-people relations. They also explored opportunities for enhancing collaboration in emerging fields such as digital technology, AI, renewable energy, and space, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Leading the Way in Trade and Technology
EAM Jaishankar underscored the growing trade ties between India and Spain, which now total around €10 billion. He pointed out potential areas for collaboration such as railways, urban technologies, green energy, and digital innovation. With more than 230 Spanish companies currently active in India, EAM Jaishankar invited additional firms to engage in India's prominent initiatives, including Make in India and Design in India.
The conversation also centered on improving mobility for skilled professionals, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence, which EAM Jaishankar identified as crucial for seizing future opportunities.
Cultivating Strategic Alliances
In his meeting with King Felipe VI, EAM Jaishankar extended warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On X, he shared, “Honored to call on His Majesty King Felipe VI today in Madrid. Value his guidance for the further advancement of India-Spain ties.”
He also had a meeting with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, reflecting on his fruitful visit to India in October 2024, which further strengthened the enduring bond between the two countries. “Called on President Pedro Sanchez of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM Modi. Reaffirmed our long-standing partnership and briefed him on the progress of our bilateral agenda,” he shared on X.
Strengthened Collaboration in Defence and Regional Stability
During a fruitful meeting with Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar focused on enhancing defence cooperation. He highlighted the significance of the C-295 Aircraft Assembly line plant in Vadodara, emphasizing that it has played a key role in advancing the defence and security partnership between the two nations.
Cultural and Educational Partnerships
A significant development in the bilateral relationship is the upcoming Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI in 2026, designed to strengthen people-to-people connections. Cultural and educational partnerships have also expanded, highlighted by the University of Valladolid's agreements with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to advance Hindi and Indian Studies. Additionally, the opening of the Consulate General of India in Barcelona in 2024 provides further support to the flourishing Indian diaspora, which now totals approximately 75,000 individuals.
Common Objectives in the Mediterranean and European Union
EAM Jaishankar underscored India’s strategic interests in the Mediterranean, focusing on trade, green hydrogen initiatives, and defense collaboration. With annual trade surpassing $80 billion, the Mediterranean plays a vital role in shaping India’s economic and strategic vision. Jaishankar noted, “India will be more visible in the Mediterranean in times to come and counts on Spain’s support in this process.”
The External Affairs Minister also emphasized Spain's significant role in the European Union, expressing optimism that Spain's support in Brussels would bolster India-EU relations. With common goals in green technologies, sustainable development, and digital innovation, the two countries are ideally placed to work together within broader EU frameworks.
Dedication to Multilateral Cooperation
India and Spain reinforced their dedication to multilateral cooperation. Jaishankar praised Spain’s role in the G20 and explored avenues to enhance collaboration within the United Nations. The conversation also highlighted mutual objectives in sustaining global peace and security, with Indian peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon and the Golan Heights.
Tackling Worldwide Issues
EAM Jaishankar and his Spanish counterparts held discussions on key global issues, such as the Indo-Pacific situation, developments in Ukraine, terrorism, and the Middle East. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of like-minded nations collaborating to tackle these challenges and highlighted the stabilizing influence of strong India-Spain relations.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain has paved the way for closer cooperation between the two countries. From strengthening trade and defense ties to promoting cultural and educational exchanges, these engagements reflect a shared commitment to mutual progress and global stability. With initiatives like the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI in 2026, alongside ongoing defense and trade collaboration, India and Spain are positioned to play a crucial role in shaping a more interconnected and resilient world.
At the conclusion of his visit, EAM Jaishankar remarked, “Strong India-Spain relations and a robust India-EU partnership can serve as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world. Together, we can navigate global challenges and work towards a prosperous future.”
The MEA stated that the visit, which follows President Pedro Sanchez's trip to India within three months, highlights the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining regular and ongoing engagement, resulting in a further strengthening of bilateral relations.
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