India and Spain Strengthen Ties, Emphasize Cooperation on Terrorism and Trade

During a series of meetings in New Delhi, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized the need for global cooperation against terrorism, highlighting that both nations have been victims. They expressed condolences for a recent deadly train accident in Spain. The officials discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including economic partnerships, defence collaboration, and cultural exchanges. Spain supports concluding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement soon and aims to upgrade relations to a strategic association. Spain's President Pedro Sanchez plans to visit India, with hopes for a reciprocal visit by Prime Minister Modi. Both countries also intend to collaborate on multilateral platforms and the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, marking 2026 as the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.