Pedro Sanchez has met with Narendra Modi as he prepares to publish his country’s new strategic plan for Asia.
The Spanish and Indian prime ministers discussed a number of topics covering the economy, security and AI.
In a press conference in New Delhi, Sanchez said: ‘I would like to reveal to the media here and to citizens following at home, that this week we are going to present our new foreign strategy for Asia and the Pacific.
‘For that reason this visit to India becomes even more important, as Spain looks once again, more towards the east for opportunities.’
Sanchez said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and India.
‘It’s a relationship we want to strengthen and expand into the future,’ he added.
It comes amid strained relations with the US, after repeated attacks from President Donald Trump over Spain’s refusal to commit 5% of GDP to NATO defence spending.
Modi said following his meeting with Sanchez: ‘I had a productive meeting with President Pedro Sanchez in Delhi.
‘We discussed ways to strengthen the friendship between India and Spain, especially in areas such as defence, security, technology, and others.
‘Our countries are celebrating 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. This will deepen the ties between our peoples. I am pleased to see that a large delegation from universities has also come to India. This will also greatly contribute to bringing our peoples closer together.
‘The historic free trade agreement with the EU will have a very positive impact on the economic partnership with Spain and will provide new opportunities for the citizens of our countries.’
