India’s Modi, Spain’s Sanchez strengthen partnership with rail, customs MoUs 

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India and Spain signed agreements to cooperate in rail transport and customs, marking a step forward in strengthening ties in political, economic, defence, and security sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez met at the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, where they also opened a new production facility for C295 military transport aircraft.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed various regional and global issues, including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi described the partnership between India and Spain as “multidimensional, vibrant, and ever evolving,” encouraging Spanish businesses and innovators to participate in India’s development.

“The partnership between India and Spain is like a prism that is multidimensional, vibrant and ever evolving. I would invite Spanish industry and innovators to come to India and become our partners in our development journey,” said PM Modi, speaking in Hindi.

The two sides formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in rail transport, which aims to foster cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, rail systems, and equipment, alongside urban and regional railway networks. Another agreement was signed on customs cooperation and assistance, with plans for a fast-track mechanism to facilitate investments. Additionally, the year 2026 will be celebrated as the “India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.”

At a press briefing, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in India’s external affairs ministry, described Spain as a valued partner within the EU. Spain, the EU’s fifth-largest economy, has a bilateral trade volume with India nearing $10 billion. Spain’s investments in India amount to $4 billion, while Indian investments in Spain have reached $1 billion.

Tourism between the two countries has seen growth, with 250,000 Indians visiting Spain annually and 40,000 Spanish tourists coming to India. India opened a new consulate in Barcelona in August, and Spain is set to launch a mission in Bengaluru soon. India and Spain are also supportive of a swift and impactful free trade agreement between India and the EU, according to Lal.

“The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the joint statement said. Modi reiterated India’s stance that dialogue is essential to resolving the conflict, stating, “this is not the time for war.”

The leaders also committed to peace and stability in the Middle East, voicing concern over the escalating situation in West Asia and urging all parties to exercise restraint. Modi and Sanchez “shared their firm commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed their deep concern at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and called for restraint by all concerned”, the joint statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)