Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began the Spain leg of his official visit on July 13 with a series of high-level meetings to strengthen India–Spain economic ties. The visit coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations and the India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence 2026.
Goyal met Spain’s First Vice-President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, to discuss expanding trade, investment and innovation cooperation. The talks focused on market access, resilient supply chains, renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and infrastructure. Both sides also discussed the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, agreed to utilise the Fast Track Mechanism for investments and looked forward to the next India–Spain Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation meeting later this year.
The Minister also held talks with Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu Boher, on strengthening industrial cooperation in clean energy, mobility, advanced manufacturing, tourism, automotive, railways and smart infrastructure. The two sides welcomed the C-295 programme under the “Make in India” initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to stronger industry partnerships.
A key highlight of the visit was the India–Spain Business Forum, jointly organised by FICCI, the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, CEOE and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Senior government officials and industry leaders from both countries explored new opportunities in trade, investment and industrial collaboration.
Addressing the forum, Goyal highlighted India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and invited Spanish companies to invest in manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technologies, digital economy and innovation. The event also featured an interactive session and networking reception.
The Minister also met officials of ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones to discuss boosting investment flows and technology partnerships. He later interacted with the Indian business delegation led by FICCI, encouraging greater business engagement with Spain.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, industry, innovation and people-to-people exchanges, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.
