India Strengthens Ties with the European Union, Aims for Greater Influence in the Mediterranean
India Focuses on Strengthening Ties with the EU and Mediterranean Region: Jaishankar’s Visit to Spain. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is actively pursuing stronger partnerships with the European Union and enhancing India’s presence in the Mediterranean. During his recent visit to Spain, his first as External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar held in-depth discussions with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, covering a range of regional and global issues. These talks were an important part of efforts to increase collaboration between the two nations and the broader EU, particularly as India strives to position itself as a global power in key sectors such as defence, green technologies, and AI.
Jaishankar’s visit follows the visit of Spanish President Pedro Sánchez to India, and he was keen to underline the potential for mutual cooperation. The two ministers spoke about expanding India-Spain relations, with Jaishankar noting that there are already over 230 Spanish companies operating in India. He expressed hope that more Spanish businesses would contribute to India’s “Make in India” initiative, focusing on design, manufacturing, and collaborative innovation. The bilateral trade between India and Spain currently stands at around 10 billion euros, and Jaishankar highlighted significant opportunities in sectors such as railways, smart cities, and sustainable urban development.
Jaishankar also emphasised the growing importance of defence and security cooperation between India and Spain. As both countries continue to strengthen their military collaboration, Jaishankar pointed out that India looks forward to further intensifying these ties, acknowledging the strong and valued relationship between their armed forces. One of the most significant milestones discussed was the announcement of 2026 as the ‘Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI’ between India and Spain. This initiative aims to bring the two nations closer together, with a focus on promoting cultural exchanges, tourism, and the exploration of AI technologies. Jaishankar believes that such initiatives will help foster stronger people-to-people connections and boost cooperation in these rapidly growing fields. Additionally, the growing mobility of skilled professionals, particularly in the era of AI, will further facilitate collaboration between the two countries.
During his visit, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of collaboration in emerging sectors like AI, green technologies, and sustainable urban development. The strategic partnership with Spain and the EU is expected to strengthen India’s global influence and support its long-term geopolitical goals. The discussions also covered broader regional and global issues. Jaishankar underscored India’s strong interest in the Mediterranean region, where trade between India and Mediterranean countries has reached approximately USD 80 billion annually. India is keen to become more visible in the region, especially as it explores opportunities in green hydrogen projects and strengthens its defence and security presence. Jaishankar highlighted India’s role in peacekeeping, with Indian troops stationed in Lebanon and the Golan Heights, showcasing India’s commitment to global stability.
India’s long-term strategic goals include forging closer ties with the European Union, with Jaishankar highlighting Spain’s important role in advocating for India-EU relations. He believes that stronger cooperation with the EU can act as a stabilising factor in a world that is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Additionally, Jaishankar’s remarks at the 9th Annual Conference of Ambassadors focused on India’s distinct foreign policy approach, driven by its cultural heritage and traditions. He expressed confidence that the growing ties between India, Spain, and the EU would contribute to global stability and peace. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain marked a significant step in deepening India’s strategic and economic partnerships with European and Mediterranean nations, setting the stage for a future filled with mutual growth and cooperation in key areas such as defence, technology, and culture.
