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India-Spain Cultural Ties Strengthen with Delhi Mural Dedication Ceremony

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez jointly dedicated a collaborative mural in Delhi's Lodhi Art District. The event was part of the celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Spain, designated as a Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. President Sanchez's visit coincided with his attendance at the AI Impact Summit 2026 and included a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mural project, featuring Spanish artist Suso-33 and Indian artists, symbolizes the ongoing cultural exchange strengthening people-to-people ties.

Key Points: Shekhawat, Spain's President Sanchez Dedicate Mural in Delhi

  • Mural dedication in Lodhi Art District
  • Marks 70 years of India-Spain ties
  • Part of broader AI Summit diplomatic visit
  • Strengthens cultural and people-to-people links
  • Showcases collaborative street art project
2 min read

Shekhawat attends mural dedication with Spain's President

Union Minister Shekhawat joins Spanish President Sanchez to dedicate a street art mural, highlighting cultural diplomacy during the AI Summit visit.

"As we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations... our cultural partnership is stronger than ever. - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"

New Delhi, Feb 18

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat joined Spanish President Pedro Sanchez for the dedication of a mural created by Spanish artist Suso Manuel Pinto Gracia in Delhi on Wednesday.

"Along with the President of the Government of Spain, Shri. Pedro Sanchez attended the dedication ceremony of a mural painted jointly by a Spanish artist, Susso manual pinto gracia (suso-33) and two young Indian artists, Tarini Sethi and Ishan Bharat, under the Street Art Project at the Lodhi Art District," posted Shekhawat on the social media platform X.

Originally named Jesus, the Spanish artist came to be famously known as Suso-33, who has developed his work based on graffiti and street art in different fields, including action painting, installation, video art, performance, and set design.

"As we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations as the Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and AI, our cultural partnership is stronger than ever," observed the Culture and Tourism Minister in his post.

President Sanchez arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026, a global event focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence across industries and governance.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in the national capital and discussed ways to expand cooperation across several key sectors. This visit marks his second official trip to India, where the October 28-29, 2024, tour was the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India in 18 years.

In his social media message, Shekhawat pointed to the deep civilisational warmth shared by India and Spain, "from the growing popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda in Spain to the rising demand for the Spanish language in India".

He further added: "Cultural exchanges through ICCR, vibrant diaspora engagement, literature collaborations like Spain being the Country of Focus at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, and platforms such as Casa de la India in Valladolid continue to strengthen people-to-people ties."

India and Spain maintain a steady, multifaceted bilateral relationship grounded in diplomatic engagement, growing trade and investment, and people‑to‑people ties, where the joint street‑art dedication attended by Indian and Spanish officials illustrates an active cultural diplomacy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see cultural diplomacy in action. While the mural is nice, I hope the AI Summit and bilateral talks yield concrete outcomes on trade and technology transfer. That's what will really benefit the common citizen in the long run.
A
Arjun K
The fusion of street art from both cultures must be fascinating. Lodhi Art District is becoming a real international canvas. Would love to see the mural in person this weekend!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has studied in Spain, it's heartening to see the growing ties. The mention of Spanish language demand in India is very true - so many young people are learning it now for better opportunities.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while cultural events are good for image-building, I wish our ministers would also focus with equal zeal on preserving and funding our own ancient heritage sites which are in a sorry state. Balance is key.
K
Kavya N
Celebrating 70 years of relations! Jai Hind! The Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and AI sounds like a perfect blend of our past and future. More power to India-Spain friendship.

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