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India and Spain have a burgeoning trade relationship, which currently stands at approximately €10 billion
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has concluded a significant visit to Spain, marked by engagements with King Felipe VI, President Pedro Sanchez, and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. The two-day visit on January 13-14, 2025, his first to Spain as External Affairs Minister, reaffirmed the growing partnership between India and Spain, highlighting areas of collaboration in trade, defense, technology, and culture.
Two MoUs on cooperation in the field of Sports and cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development were signed during the visit.
Increasing Collaboration in new and Emerging Sectors
During their talks on Monday (January 13, 2025) , External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Albares reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, and regional and global matters of mutual interest.
The ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress in diverse sectors including trade & economy, defence & security, tourism, culture and people-to-people ties. They also discussed ways of increasing collaboration in new and emerging sectors of digital technology, AI, renewable energy, and space, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Trade and Technology at the Forefront
EAM Jaishankar emphasised the burgeoning trade relationship between India and Spain, which currently stands at approximately €10 billion. He highlighted key sectors for collaboration, including railways, urban technologies, green energy, and digital innovation. With over 230 Spanish companies operating in India, EAM Jaishankar extended an invitation for more firms to participate in India’s flagship initiatives like Make in India and Design in India.
The discussion also focused on enhancing mobility for skilled professionals, especially in the era of artificial intelligence, which EAM Jaishankar described as essential for harnessing future opportunities.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships
During his meeting with King Felipe VI, EAM Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, he stated, “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 met Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, recalling his successful October 2024 visit to India, which further deepened the long-standing ties between the two nations. “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.
Enhanced Cooperation in Defence and Regional Security
In a productive meeting with Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles, EAM Jaishankar discussed strengthening defence collaboration. The Indian External Affairs Minister noted that the C-295 Aircraft Assembly line plant at Vadodara has been an important project and has taken the defence and security cooperation between the two countries to the next level.
Cultural and Academic Collaborations
A notable milestone in the bilateral relationship is the upcoming Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI in 2026, an initiative aimed at fostering closer people-to-people ties. Cultural and educational collaborations have also grown, with the University of Valladolid signing MoUs with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to promote Hindi and Indian Studies. The establishment of the Consulate General of India in Barcelona in 2024 further supports the growing Indian diaspora, which now numbers around 75,000.
Shared Goals in the Mediterranean and European Union
EAM Jaishankar highlighted India’s strategic interest in the Mediterranean region, emphasising trade, green hydrogen projects, and defense cooperation. India’s annual trade with Mediterranean nations exceeds $80 billion, reflecting the region’s critical role in India’s economic and strategic outlook. 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 underlined Spain’s influence within the European Union, expressing hope that Spain’s advocacy in Brussels would help strengthen India-EU relations. With shared interests in green technologies, sustainable development, and digital innovation, the two nations are well-positioned to collaborate on broader EU frameworks.
Commitment to Multilateralism
India and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral collaboration. Jaishankar acknowledged Spain’s contributions to the G20 and discussed opportunities to intensify cooperation within the United Nations. With Indian peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon and the Golan Heights, the dialogue also touched upon shared goals in maintaining global peace and security.
Addressing Global Challenges
EAM Jaishankar and his Spanish counterparts engaged in discussions on critical global issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific, developments in Ukraine, terrorism, and the Middle East. Jaishankar stressed the importance of like-minded nations working together to address these challenges, emphasizing the stabilizing role of strong India-Spain relations.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain has set the stage for deeper collaboration between the two nations. From enhancing trade and defense ties to fostering cultural and educational exchanges, the engagements reflect a shared vision for mutual growth and global stability. With initiatives like the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI in 2026 and ongoing defense and trade cooperation, India and Spain are poised to play a significant role in shaping a more interconnected and resilient world.
As EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit, he noted, “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.”
According to the MEA, the visit, coming within three months of the visit of President Pedro Sanchez to India, reflects the commitment of both sides for regular and sustained engagement between the two countries, and has led to further deepening of bilateral ties.
Two MoUs on cooperation in the field of Sports and cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development were signed during the visit.
Increasing Collaboration in new and Emerging Sectors
During their talks on Monday (January 13, 2025) , External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Albares reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, and regional and global matters of mutual interest.
The ministers expressed satisfaction over the progress in diverse sectors including trade & economy, defence & security, tourism, culture and people-to-people ties. They also discussed ways of increasing collaboration in new and emerging sectors of digital technology, AI, renewable energy, and space, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Trade and Technology at the Forefront
EAM Jaishankar emphasised the burgeoning trade relationship between India and Spain, which currently stands at approximately €10 billion. He highlighted key sectors for collaboration, including railways, urban technologies, green energy, and digital innovation. With over 230 Spanish companies operating in India, EAM Jaishankar extended an invitation for more firms to participate in India’s flagship initiatives like Make in India and Design in India.
The discussion also focused on enhancing mobility for skilled professionals, especially in the era of artificial intelligence, which EAM Jaishankar described as essential for harnessing future opportunities.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships
During his meeting with King Felipe VI, EAM Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a post on X, he stated, “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 met Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, recalling his successful October 2024 visit to India, which further deepened the long-standing ties between the two nations. “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.
Enhanced Cooperation in Defence and Regional Security
In a productive meeting with Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles, EAM Jaishankar discussed strengthening defence collaboration. The Indian External Affairs Minister noted that the C-295 Aircraft Assembly line plant at Vadodara has been an important project and has taken the defence and security cooperation between the two countries to the next level.
Cultural and Academic Collaborations
A notable milestone in the bilateral relationship is the upcoming Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI in 2026, an initiative aimed at fostering closer people-to-people ties. Cultural and educational collaborations have also grown, with the University of Valladolid signing MoUs with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to promote Hindi and Indian Studies. The establishment of the Consulate General of India in Barcelona in 2024 further supports the growing Indian diaspora, which now numbers around 75,000.
Shared Goals in the Mediterranean and European Union
EAM Jaishankar highlighted India’s strategic interest in the Mediterranean region, emphasising trade, green hydrogen projects, and defense cooperation. India’s annual trade with Mediterranean nations exceeds $80 billion, reflecting the region’s critical role in India’s economic and strategic outlook. 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 underlined Spain’s influence within the European Union, expressing hope that Spain’s advocacy in Brussels would help strengthen India-EU relations. With shared interests in green technologies, sustainable development, and digital innovation, the two nations are well-positioned to collaborate on broader EU frameworks.
Commitment to Multilateralism
India and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral collaboration. Jaishankar acknowledged Spain’s contributions to the G20 and discussed opportunities to intensify cooperation within the United Nations. With Indian peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon and the Golan Heights, the dialogue also touched upon shared goals in maintaining global peace and security.
Addressing Global Challenges
EAM Jaishankar and his Spanish counterparts engaged in discussions on critical global issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific, developments in Ukraine, terrorism, and the Middle East. Jaishankar stressed the importance of like-minded nations working together to address these challenges, emphasizing the stabilizing role of strong India-Spain relations.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain has set the stage for deeper collaboration between the two nations. From enhancing trade and defense ties to fostering cultural and educational exchanges, the engagements reflect a shared vision for mutual growth and global stability. With initiatives like the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI in 2026 and ongoing defense and trade cooperation, India and Spain are poised to play a significant role in shaping a more interconnected and resilient world.
As EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit, he noted, “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.”
According to the MEA, the visit, coming within three months of the visit of President Pedro Sanchez to India, reflects the commitment of both sides for regular and sustained engagement between the two countries, and has led to further deepening of bilateral ties.
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