New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar convened a meeting with the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, on Wednesday. They engaged in discussions regarding bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investments, defence, technology, and education, along with enhancing people-to-people connections.

EAM Jaishankar expressed his appreciation to Spain for its role in strengthening relations between India and the European Union in diverse areas.

“This morning, I had an extensive dialogue with FM Jose Manuel Albares from Spain regarding our bilateral ties and global issues. We discussed trade, investments, defence, technology, education, and people-to-people relations. We reaffirmed our robust political discussions,” EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

“I thank Spain for its support in fostering deeper ties between India and the EU across various domains. I also welcome Spain's participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative,” he continued.

During his initial remarks, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the necessity for enhanced collaboration between India and Spain to address mutual challenges, especially in the fight against terrorism, given the shifting global landscape.

“The global order is undergoing significant transformation. It is essential for nations to unite against shared threats. This is particularly true in the context of terrorism, where both India and Spain have suffered,” he stated.

The EAM underscored the warm and amicable relations enjoyed by both nations, founded on shared democratic principles and respect for multilateralism and a rules-based order. In 2026, both India and Spain will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

As India prepares to host the upcoming AI Impact Summit next month, EAM Jaishankar noted that the nation's approach to AI is centered around being human-centric, inclusive, and committed to responsible and ethical use, aligning closely with European values. He added that economic collaboration is a vital aspect of their bilateral relationship.

“Spain is a key trade partner for India within the EU, with our bilateral trade exceeding USD 8 billion in recent years. Spanish enterprises have established a significant presence in India, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, urban mobility, water management, and smart cities. Likewise, Indian businesses are actively involved in Spain in sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components. We see substantial potential to enhance this trade collaboration,” he remarked.

In his initial comments, Albares emphasized India's rising significance as a reliable global partner and the importance of intensifying bilateral cooperation. He stated that concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would represent a significant advancement.

“It is crucial for Spain to strengthen its relationship with a dependable country like India, which believes in international law, upholds the principles of the United Nations charter, and champions multilateralism. A positive indicator would be the finalization of the FTA with the EU that we are eager to see realized,” remarked the Spanish Foreign Minister.

He also mentioned that Spanish President Pedro Sanchez will soon visit India and expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be able to visit Spain in the near future.

“We will continue to collaborate bilaterally through the EU, as well as in the multilateral sphere. We are enthusiastic about joining the Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative, and I have brought the formal letter to commemorate that occasion,” he concluded.