India on Monday emphasized its deepening partnership with Spain, particularly in trade, investment, and defense, describing Spain as a key partner within the European Union (EU).
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted Spain’s strategic importance while addressing a special briefing during the official visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to India. “Spain is an important partner within the European Union. It held the EU presidency last year, is a member of NATO, the 15th largest economy globally, and the fifth largest within the EU. Spain is also among the top ten defense exporters in the world,” Lal said.
He stressed that the ongoing visit reflects the growing relationship between the two nations, particularly in trade and industrial cooperation. “The areas of collaboration are wide-ranging, including energy, logistics, transportation, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and IT. This visit builds upon several high-level exchanges between India and Spain,” Lal said.
Lal also discussed the status of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and investment negotiations between India and the European Union, which are of mutual interest. “Both India and Spain are keen on concluding an early and ambitious agreement that would benefit both sides,” he added.
This visit by Prime Minister Sanchez marks a significant diplomatic milestone, being the first by a Spanish leader in nearly two decades. Sanchez is accompanied by his wife, Begona Gomez, two ministers—the Minister of Industry and Tourism, and the Minister for Transportation and Sustainable Mobility—and a business delegation comprising 15 CEOs of leading Spanish companies.
Lal detailed the delegation’s activities, noting their engagements in Vadodara and Mumbai. “The day began with a Shobha Yatra, where both Prime Minister Modi and PM Sanchez participated together. This was followed by the joint inauguration of the Tata aircraft manufacturing complex, which will produce C-295 military transport aircraft. This collaboration symbolizes the strengthening industrial ties between India and Spain.”
The newly inaugurated Tata-Airbus aircraft assembly facility, located at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited campus in Vadodara, will manufacture the C-295 aircraft, a critical component of India’s defense modernization. Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi said, “The C-295 facility reflects the work culture of a new India.”
The Spanish delegation’s activities also included a roadshow in Vadodara, showcasing cultural camaraderie between the two nations, as both leaders made their way to inaugurate the Tata aircraft complex. The next leg of their tour continues in Mumbai, with further engagements planned for October 29.
(Inputs from ANI)