External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a two-day visit to Spain, on Monday underscored India’s growing global prominence and its ability to provide meaningful support during challenging times.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Madrid, Jaishankar highlighted the significant advancements in India-Spain relations and emphasized India’s rising global stature.
Jaishankar shared that his invitation by Spain’s Foreign Minister to address the country’s ambassadors at a global conference marked a historic moment. “It is the first time that a foreign ambassador was invited to address the global ambassadors of Spain,” he said. Reflecting on this, he remarked that the invitation signified the importance of India’s position on the world stage. “When a foreign ministry and ambassadors of another country ask you to come and speak to them, it’s worth thinking why. India’s positioning today is very important,” Jaishankar noted.
The External Affairs Minister highlighted India’s economic strength and leadership, positioning the country as a key player in global conversations. “Today, we are the fifth-largest economy, poised to be the third-largest,” he said. Jaishankar attributed India’s global influence to its capabilities and ideas, emphasizing the country’s growing recognition worldwide.
Jaishankar further discussed India’s ability to engage with diverse nations and facilitate dialogue between countries with conflicting interests. “There are very few countries in a position to talk to Russia and Ukraine; Israel and Iran; being members of Quad and BRICS. PM Modi is able to do both,” he remarked, referring to India’s unique diplomatic reach. He also emphasized India’s principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” in addressing global challenges, a philosophy that the world has come to appreciate.
Reflecting on India’s contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jaishankar highlighted the country’s role in providing vaccines to more than 100 nations. “If you go around the world, there are 100 countries that say, ‘If we got our vaccine, it was because of India,'” he said. He also recalled how Spain’s President Sanchez had personally reached out to Prime Minister Modi for supplies of Hydroxychloroquine during the pandemic.
Jaishankar further stressed India’s willingness to assist countries in need, pointing out that India’s contributions are not just about resources but about the country’s credibility and capacity to act as a bridge in times of crisis. “In difficult times, there is a country named India, willing to talk to and help different parties. It’s not about money or resources but about heart and mind,” he added.
On the economic front, Jaishankar acknowledged the strong trade ties between India and Spain, with bilateral trade currently valued at 10 billion euros annually. He also expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in areas such as railways, automobiles, clean technologies, and space. “The estimate of 10 billion euros might increase in the future,” he said, noting the growing importance of strong supply chains and relationships between nations in the current global climate.
Jaishankar also highlighted the invaluable role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India’s foreign policy. “I hear very good words about the community… It’s something I hear across the world, and every time, I feel good. So I want to thank all of you,” he said, acknowledging their efforts in reinforcing India’s global standing.
Further strengthening India-Spain relations, Jaishankar announced that a Spanish consulate would soon be established in Bengaluru, a significant move in enhancing people-to-people ties between the two countries. He described this as a “good sign” for deepening business and cultural connections.
Looking ahead, Jaishankar revealed that 2026 would be designated as a “dual year” to celebrate India-Spain collaboration in culture, artificial intelligence, and tourism. “It will have a long-term good impact on ties,” he concluded, signaling a bright future for the bilateral relationship.
(With IANS inputs)