A significant development emphasising the growing ties between India and Spain, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar met with King Felipe VI in Madrid on Tuesday. During the meeting in Madrid, Dr Jaishankar conveyed President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to King Felipe VI.

Jaishankar shared a post on X where he wrote, "Honoured to call on His Majesty King Felipe VI today in Madrid. Conveyed the warm wishes of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi. Value his guidance for the further advancement of India-Spain ties."

On the previous day, Jaishankar met with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, reiterating the robust and dynamic relationship between India and Spain.

He posted on X, "Called on President Pedro Sanchez of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Recalled his successful visit to India, which reaffirmed our long-standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral agenda."

In the meeting, EAM Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Spain. The discussions highlighted shared values and considerable interest in enhancing collaboration between the two countries. This conversation follows Spanish President Pedro Sanchez's last visit to India, which marked the two nations' long-standing relationship.

India and Spain have had friendly relations since establishing diplomatic relations in 1956. There are significant milestones, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially visiting Spain in May 2017 and frequent meetings with leaders on the margins of major global summits, such as the G20 in 2018 and 2021. In February 2023, the prime ministers spoke over the phone to express their confidence in the two countries' expanding ties.

In addition, Jaishankar has interacted with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Álvarez at events such as the UN General Assembly sessions in 2022 and 2024. 

The conversation also touched upon cultural exchanges, with both nations agreeing to deepen people-to-people ties through education, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.

In 2023, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) signed two MoUs with the University of Valladolid to start departments of Hindi Language and Indian Studies. Additionally, boosting academic ties, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in July 2024 to improve higher education associations. There are around 75,000 Indian expatriates in Spain who mainly live in Catalonia, Valencia, Madri and the Canary Islands.

With the growing demand for consular services, the Consulate General of India in Barcelona was inaugurated on August 13, 2024, memorialising another measure in improving India-Spain ties.