Key Points
India and Spain share robust $10 billion annual trade
Diaspora plays crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations
2026 dual year to celebrate culture, tourism, and AI
Diplomacy focused on expanding collaborative opportunities
In his speech he said that no foreign visit is complete without meeting diaspora and he brrought to attention the successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez last year.
Jaishankar said that in order to take the relationship forward, the diaspora plays an indispensable role. He said that as of today, "Our relations are poised to move towards the next stage".
Highlighting that the two countries share a trade of USD 10 billion every year, with lots of new areas like railway, clean tech, drone, space areas for greater collaboration.
He was confident in the trade ties and said that the ten billion business that is taking place today will see a rise in the coming days
He said, "Developments in the world will bring us closer. As you know today there is instability and volatility in the world, countries which are close to each other, have supply chain contracts can be build relationships can be expanded. They have the ability to forge relationship".
Highlighting how the community has always been a support for Indian foreign policy, Jaishankar said, "I heard very good words for the community", mentioning about his conversation with Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Jaishankar quoted him saying that the Indian community's, "Image is very good. They are contributing to the economy, to the society. We feel that Indian talent; Indian professionals are very welcome here".
"When our image is built by the diaspora in the world that is the foundation for us to take forward the relationship", Jaishankar said, thanking the diapora.
In his remarks he made a significant announcement. "2026, we will market as dual year where we will be celebrating culture, tourism and artificial intelligence in both countries. So, through 2025 we will be working hard to prepare for 2026".
The EAM is currently on a diplomatic visit to Spain till January 14, making it his first visit to Spain as the Foreign Minister, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.