India and Spain decide to intensify bilateral ties; discuss defense cooperation and trade
| 2023-10-10
The 7th India-Spain Foreign Office Consultations was held in Madrid on October 9, 2023.
The two sides express satisfaction on enhancing diplomatic presence in each other’s countries
The 7th India-Spain Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) concluded in Madrid on Monday (October 9, 2023), reaffirming the strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The two nations expressed satisfaction at the growth in their bilateral engagement, embarking on an exhaustive review of their multifaceted relations. According to information shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions spanned political, economic, defense cooperation, trade dynamics, and the intertwined webs of tourism and cultural ties.
"The two sides expressed satisfaction on enhancing the diplomatic presence in each other’s countries through the proposed opening of new consulates in Bengaluru and Barcelona, which will provide a boost to bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts," the MEA said.
Further cementing their commitment, both nations agreed to enhance their engagement. This is envisioned through an uptick in high-level visits and exchanges and revitalizing bilateral mechanisms like the Joint Working Group on Defence, the Security Policy Dialogue, and the CEOs Forum.
The dialogue was not limited to bilateral interests but traversed regional and global issues. The situation in Ukraine, Latin America, the dynamics of BRICS, the unfolding scenario in the Indo-Pacific, the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the pressing need for UNSC reforms were among the many topics discussed.
While reflecting mutual respect, Spain congratulated India for the adept handling of its G20 Presidency. Conversely, India commended Spain for its leadership during its tenure as the President of the Council of the European Union.
In an era marked by fluctuating diplomatic landscapes, the deepening ties between India and Spain not only solidify a robust bilateral relationship but also pave the way for enhanced trade, cultural exchanges, and strategic defense collaborations, setting a gold standard for international partnerships.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Mr. Luis Manuel Cuesta Civis, the Under-Secretary of Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and Cooperation.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining regular engagement through the mechanism of the FOC, the MEA said. The next round of consultations will be held in India on mutually convenient dates.
The two nations expressed satisfaction at the growth in their bilateral engagement, embarking on an exhaustive review of their multifaceted relations. According to information shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions spanned political, economic, defense cooperation, trade dynamics, and the intertwined webs of tourism and cultural ties.
"The two sides expressed satisfaction on enhancing the diplomatic presence in each other’s countries through the proposed opening of new consulates in Bengaluru and Barcelona, which will provide a boost to bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts," the MEA said.
Further cementing their commitment, both nations agreed to enhance their engagement. This is envisioned through an uptick in high-level visits and exchanges and revitalizing bilateral mechanisms like the Joint Working Group on Defence, the Security Policy Dialogue, and the CEOs Forum.
The dialogue was not limited to bilateral interests but traversed regional and global issues. The situation in Ukraine, Latin America, the dynamics of BRICS, the unfolding scenario in the Indo-Pacific, the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the pressing need for UNSC reforms were among the many topics discussed.
While reflecting mutual respect, Spain congratulated India for the adept handling of its G20 Presidency. Conversely, India commended Spain for its leadership during its tenure as the President of the Council of the European Union.
In an era marked by fluctuating diplomatic landscapes, the deepening ties between India and Spain not only solidify a robust bilateral relationship but also pave the way for enhanced trade, cultural exchanges, and strategic defense collaborations, setting a gold standard for international partnerships.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Mr. Luis Manuel Cuesta Civis, the Under-Secretary of Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and Cooperation.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining regular engagement through the mechanism of the FOC, the MEA said. The next round of consultations will be held in India on mutually convenient dates.
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