External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday held wide-ranging discussions with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Jose Manuel Albares, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing key global challenges amid a rapidly changing international order.

The talks covered an expansive agenda, including trade, investment, defence, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the growing depth and diversity of India–Spain relations. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Spain’s consistent support in advancing stronger ties between India and the European Union across multiple domains.

Following the meeting, the External Affairs Minister said the discussions reaffirmed the strong political dialogue between the two countries and underscored their shared commitment to deepening cooperation. He also welcomed Spain’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, highlighting it as a meaningful step towards enhanced maritime collaboration and regional stability.

In his opening remarks, Jaishankar emphasised the urgency of closer international cooperation as the global order undergoes profound transformation. He stressed that combating terrorism remains a shared priority for both India and Spain, noting that both nations have experienced the consequences of extremist violence.

Highlighting the convergence of values, the External Affairs Minister said India and Spain share strong democratic traditions, a commitment to multilateralism, and respect for a rules-based international order. He noted that both countries will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, providing an opportunity to further elevate the partnership.

Jaishankar also drew attention to the expanding economic dimension of bilateral ties. Spain ranks among India’s important trading partners within the European Union, with bilateral trade in goods crossing USD 8 billion in recent years. Spanish companies have established a notable presence in India, particularly in infrastructure development, renewable energy, urban mobility, water management, engineering, and smart city projects. At the same time, Indian firms are active in Spain in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components, pointing to strong complementarities between the two economies.

Addressing emerging technologies, Jaishankar highlighted India’s forthcoming AI Impact Summit, noting that India’s approach to artificial intelligence is human-centric, inclusive, and focused on responsible and ethical use. He said this outlook closely aligns with European perspectives, creating opportunities for deeper collaboration in digital innovation and governance.

Spanish Foreign Minister Albares, in his remarks, underlined India’s growing importance as a trusted and reliable global partner. He stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral engagement and said that concluding the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement would be a significant step forward for both sides.

Albares described India as a country that upholds international law, supports the principles of the United Nations Charter, and remains committed to multilateralism. He expressed Spain’s strong interest in seeing progress on the FTA and reiterated Madrid’s intention to work closely with New Delhi both bilaterally and through the EU.

The Spanish minister also confirmed that Spanish President Pedro Sánchez will visit India in the near future and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be able to visit Spain, signalling momentum in high-level exchanges.

The meeting underscored the growing strategic convergence between India and Spain, as both countries seek to expand cooperation across economic, technological, maritime, and multilateral platforms while contributing to stability and rule-based governance in a changing global landscape.