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Recognising the era of artificial intelligence, Dr. Jaishankar highlights the importance of skilled professional mobility between the two nations
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar's visit to Spain has marked significant advancements in India-Spain relations. Over the course of two days (January 13-14, 2025), the visit highlighted bilateral cooperation, strategic dialogue, and India’s expanding engagement with the European Union. The visit comes at a pivotal moment, reinforcing diplomatic ties and setting a roadmap for deeper collaboration.
This is Dr. Jaishankar’s first visit to Spain as External Affairs Minister, underscoring the growing importance of India-Spain relations in the context of broader global developments.
Dr. Jaishankar met with his Spanish counterpart, Foreign Minister Manuel Albares, in Madrid on Monday (January 13, 2025) to discuss a range of issues spanning bilateral, regional, and global concerns.
“Delighted to hold wide ranging talks with FM @jmalbares of Spain today.
Productive conversation on our bilateral partnership including in trade, investment, defense, security, urban development, railways, 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,” EAM Jaishankar said on social media platform X.
In a joint press interaction, Minister Albares emphasized the shared commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in light of the upcoming India-EU bilateral summit. The summit aims to establish a new strategic agenda between the two regions. Key highlights of the discussions included trade and investment, defense cooperation, cultural exchanges, and sustainable development.
The ministers also reviewed bilateral trade, which currently stands at approximately €10 billion, with a focus on expanding economic cooperation. Promising areas include railways, digital technology, urban development, and clean energy. Dr. Jaishankar expressed India’s eagerness to welcome more Spanish companies to participate in initiatives like Make in India and Design in India. With 230 Spanish companies already present in India, this partnership offers immense potential for growth.
The discussions also emphasized defence and security cooperation. The leaders acknowledged achievements in defense, including the recent delivery of C295 military transport aircraft. Both sides expressed interest in intensifying defence collaborations and fostering stronger naval ties, particularly given Spain’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Recognising the era of artificial intelligence, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of skilled professional mobility between the two nations. The opening of a new Indian Consulate in Barcelona and plans for a Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru were seen as steps to facilitate stronger people-to-people connections. This move aims to enhance the flow of talent and promote bilateral exchanges in sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.
Incidentally, India and Spain have designated 2026 as the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. This initiative aims to deepen societal bonds and leverage shared technological advancements.
India’s Growing Focus on the Mediterranean Region
A key aspect of Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks was India’s growing focus on the Mediterranean region. Highlighting annual trade of $80 billion, he noted Indian investments in ports, airports, and potential green hydrogen projects. Spain’s support is expected to bolster India’s Mediterranean strategy, especially in fostering partnerships for sustainable development and energy transition. The Mediterranean, a region of strategic importance, is becoming a focal point for India’s global trade and energy ambitions.
The ministers also exchanged views on pressing international challenges, including Indo-Pacific stability, Middle East tensions, and the Ukraine conflict.
Recognising Spain’s expanding naval role in the Indo-Pacific, Dr. Jaishankar stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain regional stability. The ongoing situation in the Middle East and developments in Ukraine were also discussed, with both sides advocating for dialogue and peace. These discussions highlighted the shared commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering a rules-based international order.
Both sides acknowledged their history of cooperation in the G20 and UN peacekeeping missions, including deployments in Lebanon and the Golan Heights. They reiterated the importance of multilateralism and the need for stronger collaboration on global governance issues.
Spain’s influential role within the European Union was also underscored, with Dr. Jaishankar expressing hope that Spain’s advocacy would strengthen India-EU relations. A renewed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is on the horizon, with Spain’s support expected to accelerate progress. This partnership aims to enhance trade, climate action, and digital transformation.
Two significant agreements were signed during the visit, reflecting the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation. The first agreement focuses on sports collaboration, aiming to foster athletic exchanges and sports development. The second agreement pertains to sustainable urban development, emphasizing the sharing of best practices for urban resilience and green infrastructure.
Dr. Jaishankar also addressed the Indian diaspora in Spain, acknowledging their role as cultural and economic bridges. The vibrant Indian community contributes significantly to Spain’s multicultural fabric and the bilateral partnership. The minister commended their efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations and highlighted the government’s initiatives to support the diaspora.
Concluding the visit, Dr. Jaishankar expressed optimism about the future of India-Spain relations. “The world today may seem volatile, but partnerships like ours—built on shared values and converging interests—can be stabilizing forces,” he stated. This visit not only reaffirmed India’s commitment to its partnership with Spain but also solidified its strategic vision for a stronger engagement with the European Union and the Mediterranean region.
As the world navigates complex challenges, the collaboration between India and Spain promises to be a beacon of stability and progress.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain has set the stage for a new chapter in bilateral and regional cooperation. With shared priorities in trade, technology, defense, and sustainable development, the partnership between India and Spain is poised to reach new heights, contributing to global stability and prosperity.
This is Dr. Jaishankar’s first visit to Spain as External Affairs Minister, underscoring the growing importance of India-Spain relations in the context of broader global developments.
Dr. Jaishankar met with his Spanish counterpart, Foreign Minister Manuel Albares, in Madrid on Monday (January 13, 2025) to discuss a range of issues spanning bilateral, regional, and global concerns.
“Delighted to hold wide ranging talks with FM @jmalbares of Spain today.
Productive conversation on our bilateral partnership including in trade, investment, defense, security, urban development, railways, 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,” EAM Jaishankar said on social media platform X.
In a joint press interaction, Minister Albares emphasized the shared commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in light of the upcoming India-EU bilateral summit. The summit aims to establish a new strategic agenda between the two regions. Key highlights of the discussions included trade and investment, defense cooperation, cultural exchanges, and sustainable development.
The ministers also reviewed bilateral trade, which currently stands at approximately €10 billion, with a focus on expanding economic cooperation. Promising areas include railways, digital technology, urban development, and clean energy. Dr. Jaishankar expressed India’s eagerness to welcome more Spanish companies to participate in initiatives like Make in India and Design in India. With 230 Spanish companies already present in India, this partnership offers immense potential for growth.
The discussions also emphasized defence and security cooperation. The leaders acknowledged achievements in defense, including the recent delivery of C295 military transport aircraft. Both sides expressed interest in intensifying defence collaborations and fostering stronger naval ties, particularly given Spain’s growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Recognising the era of artificial intelligence, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of skilled professional mobility between the two nations. The opening of a new Indian Consulate in Barcelona and plans for a Spanish Consulate in Bengaluru were seen as steps to facilitate stronger people-to-people connections. This move aims to enhance the flow of talent and promote bilateral exchanges in sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.
Incidentally, India and Spain have designated 2026 as the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. This initiative aims to deepen societal bonds and leverage shared technological advancements.
India’s Growing Focus on the Mediterranean Region
A key aspect of Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks was India’s growing focus on the Mediterranean region. Highlighting annual trade of $80 billion, he noted Indian investments in ports, airports, and potential green hydrogen projects. Spain’s support is expected to bolster India’s Mediterranean strategy, especially in fostering partnerships for sustainable development and energy transition. The Mediterranean, a region of strategic importance, is becoming a focal point for India’s global trade and energy ambitions.
The ministers also exchanged views on pressing international challenges, including Indo-Pacific stability, Middle East tensions, and the Ukraine conflict.
Recognising Spain’s expanding naval role in the Indo-Pacific, Dr. Jaishankar stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain regional stability. The ongoing situation in the Middle East and developments in Ukraine were also discussed, with both sides advocating for dialogue and peace. These discussions highlighted the shared commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering a rules-based international order.
Both sides acknowledged their history of cooperation in the G20 and UN peacekeeping missions, including deployments in Lebanon and the Golan Heights. They reiterated the importance of multilateralism and the need for stronger collaboration on global governance issues.
Spain’s influential role within the European Union was also underscored, with Dr. Jaishankar expressing hope that Spain’s advocacy would strengthen India-EU relations. A renewed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is on the horizon, with Spain’s support expected to accelerate progress. This partnership aims to enhance trade, climate action, and digital transformation.
Two significant agreements were signed during the visit, reflecting the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation. The first agreement focuses on sports collaboration, aiming to foster athletic exchanges and sports development. The second agreement pertains to sustainable urban development, emphasizing the sharing of best practices for urban resilience and green infrastructure.
Dr. Jaishankar also addressed the Indian diaspora in Spain, acknowledging their role as cultural and economic bridges. The vibrant Indian community contributes significantly to Spain’s multicultural fabric and the bilateral partnership. The minister commended their efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations and highlighted the government’s initiatives to support the diaspora.
Concluding the visit, Dr. Jaishankar expressed optimism about the future of India-Spain relations. “The world today may seem volatile, but partnerships like ours—built on shared values and converging interests—can be stabilizing forces,” he stated. This visit not only reaffirmed India’s commitment to its partnership with Spain but also solidified its strategic vision for a stronger engagement with the European Union and the Mediterranean region.
As the world navigates complex challenges, the collaboration between India and Spain promises to be a beacon of stability and progress.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain has set the stage for a new chapter in bilateral and regional cooperation. With shared priorities in trade, technology, defense, and sustainable development, the partnership between India and Spain is poised to reach new heights, contributing to global stability and prosperity.
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