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Spain Calls India Reliable Partner, Backs FTA Deal with European Union

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, during a meeting with EAM S. Jaishankar, emphasised India's role as a trusted international partner. He strongly advocated for the finalisation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a key step forward. Albares highlighted the Airbus-Tata collaboration as a model and announced plans to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a strategic association. He also confirmed an upcoming visit by Spanish President Pedro Sanchez to India and expressed hope for a reciprocal visit by PM Modi.

Key Points: Spain Backs India-EU FTA, Seeks Strategic Partnership

  • Spain lauds India as reliable partner
  • Push to finalise India-EU FTA
  • Airbus-Tata collaboration highlighted
  • Plans to upgrade ties to strategic association
  • Spanish President's India visit soon
2 min read

Spanish Foreign Minister calls India reliable partner, backs FTA with EU

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares calls India a reliable partner, pushes for India-EU FTA, and announces plans to upgrade bilateral ties.

"It's very important for Spain to foster our relationship with such a reliable country like India - Jose Manuel Albares"

New Delhi, Jan 21

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Wednesday underscored India's growing importance as a trusted international partner and emphasised the need to deepen bilateral cooperation.

He stressed that finalising the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would signal a meaningful step forward.

During a meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Albares said, "It's very important for Spain to foster our relationship with such a reliable country like India, a country that believes in international law, that upholds the principles of the United Nations charter, and that believes in multilateralism. A very good sign would be the final agreement of the FTA with the European Union that we very much would love to see being put forward."

The Spanish Foreign Minister noted that the partnership between Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems is a real example of collaboration that both countries aim to foster.

He further stated that Spanish President Pedro Sanchez will soon visit India and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be able to visit Spain.

"We are going to continue working bilaterally through the European Union, as well as the multilateral sphere. We will be very happy to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative, and I have brought the letter to you to mark that moment," he said.

"We will also express our wish of upgrading our relationship to a strategic association that is the highest level of relationship that we have with friends, as is the case in India," Albares emphasised, highlighting the growing cooperation between India and Spain.

He also expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown towards the Spanish people during a difficult time.

EAM Jaishankar earlier offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the train accident in Spain's Adamuz while wishing a swift recovery to people injured in the mishap.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in the aerospace sector, the Airbus-Tata collaboration mentioned is a huge deal. It's not just about trade, it's about technology transfer and creating high-skilled jobs here. More such partnerships, please!
P
Priya S
While the strategic partnership sounds good, I hope our negotiators are tough on the FTA. We must protect our farmers and small industries. The EU will want a lot in return for market access. Let's not rush into a bad deal just for the headlines.
R
Rohit P
Spain joining the Indo-Pacific initiative is interesting. Shows how important our region has become globally. Also, nice touch by EAM Jaishankar offering condolences for the train accident. Diplomacy with a human touch matters.
V
Vikram M
"A country that believes in international law" – coming from a European minister, this is significant recognition. It counters a lot of the negative narrative sometimes pushed about India's foreign policy. Strong work by our diplomatic corps.
K
Karthik V
Hope the PM's visit to Spain happens soon. We need to build strong bilateral ties beyond just the UK and France in Europe. Spain can be a gateway to Latin American markets as well. Smart strategic move.

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