Spain has reaffirmed its strong confidence in India as a reliable international partner, with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasising the need to deepen bilateral cooperation and accelerate the conclusion of the long-pending India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Speaking during his meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday, Albares highlighted India’s growing role in global affairs and described New Delhi as a country firmly committed to international law, multilateralism, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“It’s very important for Spain to foster our relationship with such a reliable country like India,” Albares said, adding that the finalisation of the India-EU FTA would be “a very good sign” of stronger economic and strategic cooperation between India and Europe. He noted that Spain strongly supports the agreement and hopes to see tangible progress in the near future.

The Spanish Foreign Minister pointed to existing industrial collaboration as evidence of the potential for deeper ties. He cited the partnership between Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems as a successful model of cooperation that both countries are keen to expand across sectors such as aerospace, defence manufacturing, technology, and innovation.

Albares also confirmed that Spanish President Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit India soon, signalling high-level political momentum in bilateral relations. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would also be able to visit Spain in the future, further strengthening diplomatic engagement and people-to-people connections.

Highlighting Spain’s broader strategic outlook, Albares said Madrid would continue working with India both bilaterally and through multilateral platforms, including the European Union. He welcomed Spain’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and formally conveyed Spain’s intention to join the framework, presenting a letter to mark the occasion.

“We will be very happy to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative,” he said, underlining Spain’s interest in contributing to maritime cooperation, sustainability, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Spanish Foreign Minister also expressed Spain’s desire to elevate its relationship with India to a strategic partnership — the highest level of bilateral engagement Spain maintains with its closest international partners. Such an upgrade, he said, would reflect the expanding scope of cooperation in trade, investment, security, technology, climate action, and global governance.

Albares further conveyed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by India during a difficult period for Spain. Earlier, EAM Jaishankar had offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a recent train accident in Adamuz, Spain, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The meeting between the two foreign ministers underscored the growing convergence between India and Spain on global issues, including support for a rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, and economic resilience. With bilateral trade expanding and European interest in India’s market growing, both sides see the India-EU FTA as a key catalyst for unlocking the next phase of cooperation.

As India and Spain approach the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the renewed emphasis on strategic trust, economic integration, and multilateral collaboration signals a steady deepening of ties between New Delhi and Madrid.