New Delhi – India and Spain have agreed to launch joint programs for development work in South American countries, with both nations committing to invest together in these initiatives. This decision was made during a bilateral meeting led by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Baroda on Monday. The two countries also agreed to explore possibilities for strengthening existing defense relations and jointly manufacturing defense equipment and warships.
Inauguration of the C-295 Manufacturing Plant
Before the India-Spain bilateral talks, both leaders jointly inaugurated a manufacturing plant for C-295 military transport aircraft under the Tata-Airbus joint venture. PM Modi also participated in a ceremonial procession with Sánchez. The year 2026 has been marked for collaboration in culture, tourism, and artificial intelligence between the two nations.
Vast Opportunities in Tourism
Each year, 250,000 Indian tourists visit Spain, while 40,000 Spanish citizens travel to India. Defense and mobility are considered key areas for potential mutual cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Spain is among the top 10 countries globally in the export of defense equipment, particularly showing interest in joint warship manufacturing with India. Additionally, a letter of intent was signed for cooperation in railways, transportation, investment, and customs departments.
A joint statement released after the Modi-Sánchez meeting highlighted discussions on the Indo-Pacific region, the Ukraine war, and the situation in West Asia. Spain expressed its support for India’s stance on Ukraine, emphasizing that the conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. Both leaders condemned last year’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel and described the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza as unacceptable. They also endorsed the two-state solution for a lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
New consulates have been opened, with Spain establishing one in Bangalore and India opening one in Barcelona. On this occasion, PM Modi remarked that the Tata-Airbus joint venture has ushered in a new era in India-Spain relations.
