*India and Spain Forge Stronger Ties with New Agreements and Cultural Initiatives*
New Delhi: India and Spain have signed multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, including rail transport, customs, financial investments, and cultural exchanges in a bid to bolster bilateral relations. The announcements were made by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, during a media briefing.
Both nations have declared 2026 as the Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, marking a commitment to deepening cultural ties. Lal highlighted that bilateral trade has now reached $10 billion, with around 240 Spanish companies operating in India, underscoring the growing partnership.
The agreements follow productive discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Vadodara, Gujarat. The leaders emphasized cooperation in sustainable energy and climate change adaptation, with a notable commitment to finalize an MoU in Renewable Energy. Spain also invited India to join the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), aimed at addressing drought vulnerabilities.
Additionally, both leaders condemned terrorism and violent extremism, advocating for swift justice against perpetrators and collaborative action against recognized terrorist groups, including Al Qa’ida, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
To enhance people-to-people connections, India will open its first Consulate General in Barcelona, while Spain plans to establish a Consulate General in Bengaluru.
Reaffirming their dedication to the India-EU Strategic Partnership, Modi and Sánchez committed to advancing negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement, and a Geographical Indications Agreement.
The leaders also expressed concern regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling for peace in accordance with international law, and urged restraint in West Asia.
