Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Spain aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and advance India-Spain ties.
- EAM Jaishankar met with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, King Felipe VI, and Defense Minister Margarita Robles during his visit to Spain.
- EAM Jaishankar and Defense Minister Margarita Robles discussed regional and global issues, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defense sector.
Madrid/New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in Madrid, called on President Pedro Sanchez and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also called on King Felipe VI.
In posts on X, the EAM said:
“Called on President @sanchezcastejon of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi.
“Recalled his successful visit to India which reaffirmed our long standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral agenda.”
The Spanish President, in a post, said:
“I just had a meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister, @DrSJaishankar .
“Our countries will continue to strengthen their ties with the celebration in 2026 of the Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and India.”
The EAM on his meeting with the King, posted:
“Honored to call on His Majesty King Felipe VI today in Madrid.
“Conveyed the warm wishes of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi. Value his guidance for the further advancement of India-Spain ties.”
EAM Jaishankar held talks with Defense Minister Margarita Robles earlier in the day. They discussed bilateral cooperation in the defence sector and ways to boost it.
In a post on X, the EAM said:
“A productive exchange of views with Defense Minister Margarita Robles today in Madrid.
“Discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, as also regional and global issues.”
He also joined his Spanish counterpart Manuel Albares to address the Spanish-India Council Foundation.
“Good to join FM @jmalbares at the Spain-India Council Foundation @Spain_India session on ‘Strategic Alliances for a Changing World: Spain and India in the 21st Century’.
“India-Spain collaboration is relevant in a turbulent world, strengthening the global economy and ensuring training and mobility of talent.
“Spain is also a partner to deepen our relations with the EU, Mediterranean and Latin America.
“Our governments, businesses and institutions need to work in tandem to realize this potential and prepare for the next phase of India-Spain ties.”
The visit of EAM to Spain follows the India visit by the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in October last year, during which the latter along with PM Modii jointly inaugurated the Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL)-Airbus facility in Vadodara to manufacture C-295 military aircraft in India.
The Tata-Airbus facility is the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.
Also last year India opened its new consulate in Barcelona, Spain announced its decision to open a new consulate in Bengaluru.
