On January 13, 2025, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in Spain to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors.
During the two-day visit, Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union and increasing its presence in the Mediterranean region. He noted that there are currently 230 Spanish companies operating in India and expressed a desire for more collaboration in sectors such as railways, digital technologies, and sustainable urban development.
Two agreements were signed during the meeting, focusing on sports and sustainable urban development, along with a declaration of 2026 as the Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and the mobility of skilled professionals between the two nations.
Jaishankar also acknowledged Spain's influential role within the EU, stating that a stronger voice from Spain in Brussels would benefit India-EU relations. He pointed out that India's annual trade with the Mediterranean region is approximately USD 80 billion, with potential for significant projects in green hydrogen.
Addressing global issues, Jaishankar mentioned the importance of collaboration on matters such as the Indo-Pacific situation, the conflict in Ukraine, and counter-terrorism efforts. He expressed confidence that strong relations between India and Spain, along with a robust India-EU partnership, could serve as a stabilizing factor in a turbulent world.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar spoke at the 9th Annual Conference of Ambassadors, where he underscored the significance of India's identity in foreign policy and the stabilizing role of its ties with Spain and the EU.