Spanish President Pedro Sanchez Arrives in Vadodara for Meeting with PM Modi
Spanish President Pedro Sanchez arrived in Vadodara, Gujarat, early Monday for a three-day visit to India, during which he will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Upon his arrival, the MEA welcomed the Spanish leader on social media, stating, “Bienvenido a India!”
“This marks the first visit by a Spanish President to India in 18 years, aiming to elevate India-Spain relations,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted on X.
Sanchez expressed on X, “I am embarking on my first official trip to India to revive our bilateral relations. India is a key player in the international community, and together we will address many joint challenges.”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri received President Sanchez at the Vadodara International Airport.
During his visit, the Spanish President will inaugurate the Final Assembly Line Plant for C295 aircraft in Vadodara, a flagship initiative under the “Make in India” program, alongside PM Modi. The plant is being established by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain.
Ahead of Sanchez’s arrival, Vadodara was adorned with lights to welcome him.
This visit, the first by President Sanchez in 18 years, will also include a trip to Mumbai, where he will engage with trade and industry leaders, think tanks, and the film industry. He will address the fourth Spain India Forum, organized by the Spain-India Council Foundation and the Observer Research Foundation, and visit prominent film studios to foster collaboration between the Indian and Spanish media and entertainment sectors.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed, enhancing bilateral cooperation. President Sanchez’s visit aims to review and deepen the partnership across various sectors, including trade, investment, IT, innovation, renewable energy, defense, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, culture, and tourism, the MEA stated.
