Spain calls India a reliable global pillar ahead of India–EU summit

Ahead of the India–EU summit, Spain pitches India as a trusted global partner and pushes for a strategic partnership and trade deal

PGurus Newsdesk

January 21, 2026

Ahead of EU summit, Spain signals strong support for India

India, Spain push for strategic partnership as EU trade deal nears

Spain on Wednesday described India as a “reliable global pillar” and a trusted international partner, as New Delhi and Madrid moved to upgrade bilateral ties ahead of the crucial India–European Union summit later this month.

Speaking in New Delhi after talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said India believes in international law, multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter, making it a stable partner in what he called “very complicated times” globally.

Albares’ remarks come days before the India–EU summit on January 27, where the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to dominate discussions. The Spanish minister said Madrid would “very much love to see” the agreement concluded, calling it the right moment for a breakthrough.

Highlighting economic ties, Albares noted that both India and Spain are among the fastest-growing economies and said the next phase of engagement should focus on expanding trade, boosting investments, and encouraging joint ventures. He cited collaborations between Spanish infrastructure firms and Indian companies, including Tata Group partnerships, as models for deeper cooperation.

In a major diplomatic signal, Albares said Spain intends to elevate its relationship with India to a “strategic association” — the highest level of partnership offered by Madrid. He said he had formally conveyed this intent, indicating Spain’s desire to anchor India more centrally in its foreign policy and EU outreach.

The Spanish minister also announced that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez would visit India soon and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would reciprocate with a visit to Spain, sustaining high-level political momentum.

Beyond trade and diplomacy, the two sides jointly unveiled the logo for the India–Spain “Dual Year” in 2026, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations, with a focus on culture, tourism and artificial intelligence. Albares said Spain would also be “very happy” to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, reflecting Madrid’s growing interest in the region.

Jaishankar, in his remarks, underscored shared democratic values and commitment to a rules-based international order. He said bilateral trade has crossed $8 billion, with Spanish companies playing a strong role in infrastructure, renewable energy and urban mobility in India, while Indian firms are active in Spain across IT, pharmaceuticals and automotive components.

Both sides also reviewed defence and technology cooperation, including the Airbus–Tata C-295 aircraft project and collaboration in artificial intelligence.

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