North News
New Delhi, January 15
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded a two-day official visit to Spain on January 14, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. Jaishankar met with Spain’s King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, building on momentum from Sanchez’s recent visit to India. Both sides expressed satisfaction over growing high-level exchanges and vowed to enhance cooperation across various sectors. In talks with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Jaishankar reviewed trade, defense, security, tourism, and cultural ties. The ministers also discussed collaboration in digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Jaishankar delivered the keynote address at the 9th Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors, emphasizing a unique foreign policy approach.
During a meeting with Defense Minister Margarita Robles, Jaishankar highlighted the C-295 aircraft assembly project in Vadodara as a milestone in defense cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen ties in the defense sector. Jaishankar also addressed Spanish companies and think tanks alongside Albares at the “Strategic Alliances for a Changing World” conference, promoting collaboration between the two nations. The visit included a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Madrid and a meeting with the Indian diaspora. Two MoUs were signed, focusing on sports and sustainable urban development. The visit underscored India and Spain’s commitment to regular engagement, further deepening their strategic partnership.
