External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has underlined India’s growing global status and its capabilities to provide meaningful aid during challenging times. Addressing Indians during his visit to Spain, Jaishankar asserted that India-Spain relations are on the edge of significant advancement.
Speaking about his involvement with Spain’s diplomatic community, he mentioned that he was invited by Spain’s foreign minister to address the country’s ambassadors at a global conference. He said, “It is the first time that a foreign ambassador was invited to address the global ambassadors of Spain.”
He emphasised India’s willingness to help others in need, remarking, “In difficult times, there is a country named India, willing to talk to and help different parties. It’s not about money or resources but about heart and mind having the ability, thinking, and credibility to act as a bridge.”
He further pointed out India’s increasing influence in global affairs; he said, “When a foreign ministry and ambassadors of another country ask you to come and speak to them, it’s worth thinking why. India’s status today is very significant. Witnessing the situation of the world today, all countries think that having good relations with India is in their interest.”
Jaishankar outlined India as a “New India,” recognised globally for its economic strength and leadership. “Today, we are the fifth-largest economy, aspiring to be the third-largest. The world knows us because of our positioning, abilities, and ideas. India is seen today as contributing to global conversations,” he further stated.
He highlighted India’s unique capabilities to engage with diverse nations.
“There are very few countries in a position to talk to Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Iran, being members of Quad and BRICS. PM Modi is able to do both,” he lauded, adding that India’s approach to global challenges is guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which the world has come to value and understand.
He further highlighted India’s efforts in advocating for Africa’s inclusion in the G20 and reflected on the country’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He further said, “If you go around the world, there are 100 countries that say, ‘If we got our vaccine, it was because of India.’ I remember President Sanchez calling PM Modi for a hydroxychloroquine supply.”
Jaishankar also highlighted the strong economic relations between India and Spain, with bilateral trade currently valued at 10 billion euros annually.
There is a possibility that it will rise,” he said, mentioning new areas of collaboration such as railways, automobiles, clean technologies, and space.
“The global situation is unstable in present times. In such times, countries close to each other, who feel that supply chains and relationships can be built and expanded, will make closer relations. The estimate of 10 billion euros might rise more in the future,” he added.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar shared his admiration for their role in bolstering India’s foreign policy.
“Minister Albares asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was meeting the Indian community members. I heard very good words about the community… It’s something I hear across the world, and every time, I feel good. So I want to thank all of you,” he stated in the conference.
He recalled the newest concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, congratulated winners from Spain, and expressed gratitude for their efforts in building and reinforcing India’s global standing.
On people-to-people relations, he declared that a Spanish consulate would soon be established in Bengaluru, calling it a “good sign” for deepening India-Spain relations. He highlighted, “Business is becoming bigger.”
Jaishankar also unveiled plans for 2026 to be marked as a “dual year” celebrating culture, artificial intelligence, and tourism in both countries. He concluded with a remark that, “It will have along-term good impact on relations.”
