Pedro Sanchez lands in India, a first visit by Spanish premier in 18-years

New Delhi, Oct 28: President of Spain Pedro Sanchez has arrived in Vadodara, Gujarat on an official visit to India, a first by a Spanish leader in 18-years.

Accompanied by his spouse, Begona Gomez, President Sanchez’s visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations with a focus on trade, technology, and defence collaboration.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the visit in a tweet: "President of the Government of Spain @sanchezcastejon touches down in Vadodara, marking the first visit by a Spanish President to India in 18 years. An official visit to elevate India-Spain relations to new heights."

During the visit, President Sanchez will engage in high-level discussions with PM Modi and the two leaders will inaugurate the Final Assembly Line Plant for the C295 aircraft in Vadodara, a key initiative under India’s "Make in India" program.

This assembly plant, part of a $2.5 billion contract between Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, represents a significant leap in India’s aviation and defence sectors. The facility will produce 40 out of 56 C295 aircraft locally, the first of which will roll out by 2026.

The Spanish President is also set to visit Mumbai, where he will meet with business leaders, industrialists, and representatives from vibrant film industry.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed, further enhancing bilateral cooperation across sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, defence, and culture.

India and Spain, which share a close partnership dating back decades, have seen their ties grow since Prime Minister Modi’s 2017 visit to Spain. President Sanchez’s trip is anticipated to give a new thrust to this relationship, particularly in areas like defence and technology, as both nations seek to explore future collaborations, including the potential adaptation of C295 aircraft variants for India's Navy and Coast Guard.

As India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, this visit could set the stage for deeper industrial cooperation between Madrid and New Delhi, creating employment opportunities and strengthening strategic alliances.