External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his official visit to Spain, announced that 2026 will be marked as a ‘dual year’ between India and Spain to celebrate culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence. Addressing members of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday, Jaishankar acknowledged their role in shaping a positive image of India globally and emphasized the growing potential of India-Spain relations.
In his address, Jaishankar described the Indian diaspora as indispensable to fostering stronger bilateral ties, noting their contributions to Spain’s economy and society. He also highlighted the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez last year, calling it a key moment in advancing the partnership.
India and Spain currently enjoy annual trade worth USD 10 billion, with collaborations spanning railways, clean technology, drones, and space exploration. Expressing optimism about these ties, Jaishankar said, “The $10 billion trade we see today will only grow in the coming days. Developments in the world will bring us closer, especially as supply chain partnerships deepen amid global instability.”
Praising the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar shared that Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares had commended their contributions, adding, “The Indian community’s image here is very good. They are contributing to the economy and society, and Indian talent is highly welcomed in Spain.”
Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the diaspora in India’s foreign policy efforts, saying, “When our image is built by the diaspora, it lays the foundation for strengthening relationships further.”
In a significant announcement, the minister revealed plans for 2026 to be celebrated as a ‘dual year,’ focusing on culture, tourism, and AI across both nations. He added, “Through 2025, we will work hard to prepare for 2026, a year of celebration and collaboration.”
This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to Spain as Foreign Minister, with his diplomatic engagements scheduled to continue until January 14.
(Inputs from ANI)
