New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded an official visit to Spain Tuesday strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. He visited Madrid for the first time as Minister, a PIB release stated.
During his visit, EAM met with King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, emphasizing the positive momentum generated by President Sanchez’s recent visit to India. Both sides agreed to capitalize on this momentum to further bolster their relationship. EAM also called on H.E. Pedro Sanchez, President of the Government of Spain.
According to PIB, the EAM held extensive discussions with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. They celebrated progress in various sectors, including trade, defense, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The ministers also explored new avenues for collaboration in emerging areas like digital technology, AI, renewable energy, and space. Addressing the 9th Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors, EAM delivered a keynote speech on “A Foreign Policy with our own Identity.”
Highlighting the growing defense cooperation between the two countries, EAM met with Defence Minister Margarita Robles. They praised the successful establishment of the C-295 Aircraft Assembly line Plant in Vadodara, emphasizing its role in elevating their defense and security partnership.
Further strengthening economic ties, EAM and Foreign Minister Albares addressed a gathering of leading Spanish businesses, think-tanks, and intellectuals at a conference organized by the Spain India Council Foundation. EAM addressed leading Spanish companies, think tanks, and intellectuals at a conference titled “Strategic Alliances for a Changing World: Spain and India in the 21st Century,” organized by the Spain India Council Foundation.
During his visit, EAM also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Madrid and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Spain.
Underscoring the commitment to regular high-level engagement, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit. These agreements focused on cooperation in sports and sustainable urban development.
EAM’s visit, taking place within three months of President Sanchez’s visit to India, signifies the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their multifaceted partnership.