External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in Madrid as part of his two-day visit to Spain. The discussions reaffirmed the growing partnership between India and Spain.
EAM Jaishankar conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reflected on President Sanchez’s successful visit to India, emphasizing the progress made on the bilateral agenda. Both leaders discussed ways to enhance relations, building on their shared history of cooperation dating back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1956.
In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, “Called on President Pedro Sanchez of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi. 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.”
Jaishankar also met Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles for discussions on strengthening defence sector cooperation and addressing regional and global challenges.
“A productive exchange of views with Defense Minister Margarita Robles today in Madrid. Discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, as also regional and global issues,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The visit highlighted the evolving India-Spain relationship, which has expanded over the years to include cultural and educational collaborations. In 2023, the University of Valladolid signed agreements with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to promote Hindi and Indian Studies. More recently, in 2024, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) signed an agreement to foster academic exchanges.
Acknowledging the Indian community in Spain, Jaishankar addressed a gathering where he outlined India’s role in the global arena. He discussed India’s rapid economic growth, its positioning as an emerging power, and its vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ (inclusive growth and trust).
Jaishankar also held discussions with Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on various bilateral and global issues, including trade, investment, defence, urban development, railways, and climate initiatives. The Indian Consulate General, inaugurated in Barcelona in 2024, was cited as a step to address the increasing demand for consular services from the growing Indian diaspora, estimated at 75,000.
