H.E. Jose Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
Welcoming Mr Albares, the President said that relations between India and Spain date back centuries, enriched by trade, culture, and shared values of democracy and pluralism. She noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, celebrated as the India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence.
The President emphasised that India and Spain enjoy a steadily growing economic relationship, with expanding trade and investment. She pointed out that Spain’s strengths in engineering, railways, renewable energy, urban services, and defence aerospace complement India’s development priorities. Furthermore, she expressed confidence that the signing of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would further strengthen bilateral trade.
Highlighting multilateral cooperation, the President said that India and Spain, as strong adherents to multilateralism, must work together on platforms such as the UN and G-20 to advance shared goals of peace, prosperity, and stability.
The President underlined that both nations share a common position on countering terrorism, which remains a serious threat to global peace. She stressed the need to pool resources and capabilities to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The President added that India’s relationship with Europe and the European Union is growing steadily. She expressed anticipation in welcoming the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission as Chief Guests for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
ALSO READ: Simran Bala Becomes First Woman Officer to Command CRPF Contingent on Republic Day
