Spain has started the process of replacing its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, amid allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of government resources. The allegations include seeking financial support from an Indian private company and using public funds for cultural events. The matter has now come under scrutiny from Spanish authorities.

The move follows an official report submitted by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the country’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in late May. The report outlines suspected financial irregularities and possible misuse of diplomatic resources linked to March Pujol’s activities in India. Spanish authorities are examining the allegations as part of administrative and legal reviews.

According to a report by Spanish outlet The Objective, the main allegations relate to the organisation and promotion of international cultural events in India. Investigators are looking into claims that March Pujol used embassy funds for cultural events. He is also accused of seeking financial contributions from outside business entities to support artists and international singers performing at these programmes.

The investigation has raised questions over the involvement of performers who had no formal connection with Spain. Authorities are examining whether embassy resources were used for activities that did not have a clear official link to Spain. The allegations also focus on whether private sponsorships were arranged in a manner that was not authorised under diplomatic or government rules.

A major part of the inquiry concerns BLS International, an Indian company that provides visa processing services for Spanish embassies. The company handles outsourced visa applications for Spain in India and several other countries. Its role as an official service provider has added significance to the financial arrangement being examined by Spanish authorities.

Reports state that March Pujol obtained a direct contribution of €5,000 from BLS International for a cultural event held in Rajasthan. Investigators are now examining whether the contribution created a potential conflict of interest. They are also looking into whether a private company working with Spanish diplomatic missions was permitted to provide financial support for an event linked to the embassy.

The case sparked wider concerns about the use of diplomatic resources and the relationship between government officials and private companies. The authorities are reviewing whether public funds and private contributions were handled in line with Spanish rules. The investigation will determine whether the reported transactions amount to any administrative or legal violations.

March Pujol is a veteran Spanish diplomat who joined the country’s diplomatic corps in 1987. He took charge as Spain’s ambassador to India in mid-2024. His appointment came after a 12-year break from active diplomatic service.

During his long diplomatic career, March Pujol has held several senior international positions. He served as Spain’s ambassador to Russia from 2007 to 2011. He also served as Spain’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. In addition, he represented Spain at the World Trade Organisation.

Before taking up his posting in New Delhi, March Pujol served as president of the ONUART Foundation. His previous assignments have given him extensive experience in international diplomacy and multilateral affairs.

The allegations come at a time when India and Spain are working closely on political, economic and cultural ties. Recent high-level discussions between the two countries have also focused on bilateral relations and cooperation.

Spanish authorities are actively probing the allegations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already referred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Further reviews are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged payments, the use of embassy funds and the organisation of cultural events.

Spain is also moving ahead with plans to appoint a successor to March Pujol. The process to replace him is separate from the ongoing administrative and legal reviews, though it gained pace after the allegations. The identity of his successor has not been specified in the available reports.

The investigation will determine whether the reported financial arrangements breached Spanish regulations or diplomatic procedures. For now, the case remains under review, with Spanish authorities examining both the alleged use of public funds and the reported contribution from BLS International. The developments could also draw attention to the rules governing private sponsorship of events organised or supported by diplomatic missions.