External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Wednesday underscored the urgent need for closer cooperation between India and Spain to address shared global challenges, particularly terrorism, as the international order undergoes profound change.

Speaking during his meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in New Delhi, Jaishankar said that both countries have suffered from terrorism and must work together with zero tolerance towards the menace. He stressed that collaboration among like-minded nations has become more critical than ever in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“The world order is clearly undergoing a profound change. It is more imperative than ever before for nations to collaborate on shared challenges. This is particularly the case with respect to combating terrorism, where both India and Spain have been victims,” Jaishankar said, adding that the international community must demonstrate unwavering resolve against terrorism in all its forms.

The External Affairs Minister highlighted that India and Spain share warm and friendly relations grounded in democratic values, multilateralism, and respect for a rules-based international order. He noted that bilateral political engagement has steadily expanded, supported by regular high-level exchanges and growing strategic convergence.

Jaishankar also pointed out that both countries will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, a milestone that reflects the depth and continuity of India-Spain ties. As part of the commemorations, both sides plan to observe a dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, combining cultural heritage with forward-looking cooperation.

Highlighting India’s role in shaping global technology discourse, Jaishankar said the country will host the AI Impact Summit next month. He emphasised that India’s approach to artificial intelligence is human-centric, inclusive, and focused on ethical and responsible use — principles that align closely with European values.

Economic cooperation, Jaishankar noted, remains a key pillar of the bilateral partnership. Spain is among India’s important trading partners within the European Union, with bilateral trade in goods crossing $8 billion in recent years. Spanish companies have established a strong presence in India, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, urban mobility, water management, and smart city development.

At the same time, Indian companies are increasingly active in Spain across sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components. Jaishankar said there is significant untapped potential to further deepen business and investment ties between the two economies.

The External Affairs Minister also highlighted the growing defence partnership between India and Spain, calling it a reflection of increasing trust and industrial collaboration. He noted that the first Made-in-India C295 aircraft is expected to roll out before September, marking an important milestone in defence manufacturing cooperation and India’s push to build resilient domestic capabilities.

People-to-people ties, Jaishankar said, continue to enrich the bilateral relationship. Indian traditions such as yoga, Ayurveda, and cultural practices enjoy growing popularity in Spain, while interest in Spanish language and culture is expanding in India. Tourism, education, and academic exchanges are emerging as important drivers of closer engagement.

“People-to-people links serve as a living bridge between India and Spain,” Jaishankar said, adding that both sides are committed to promoting greater mobility, educational exchanges, and institutional partnerships to further strengthen ties.

The meeting reaffirmed India and Spain’s shared commitment to deeper cooperation across security, economic, technological, and cultural domains in an evolving global landscape.