Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in India on Monday, October 28, 2024, to enhance India-Spain bilateral relations and explore new avenues for collaboration. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Sanchez will hold delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on strengthening India-Spain cooperation across defense, trade, and manufacturing sectors.
PM Pedro Sanchez and PM Modi to Inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems Limited Facility in Vadodara
A significant highlight of the Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez India visit is the inauguration of the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) facility in Vadodara. This state-of-the-art defense manufacturing facility represents a milestone as India’s first private-sector final assembly line for military aircraft. The TASL plant aims to bolster India’s goal of self-reliance in defense manufacturing while strengthening defense cooperation between India and Spain.
A 2.5 km roadshow, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, will precede the inauguration ceremony. As the roadshow proceeds from Vadodara Airport to the Tata facility, traditional cultural performances will symbolize the warmth of Indian hospitality and the deepening ties between India and Spain.
India-Spain Bilateral Meeting at Historic Laxmi Vilas Palace
Following the inauguration, PM Pedro Sanchez and PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting at the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs. This meeting is expected to cover key topics like India-Spain trade relations, renewable energy collaboration, and expanded aerospace and defense partnerships. The venue, steeped in Indian history, will set the stage for discussions on strengthening India-Spain economic and defense ties.
Strengthening India-Spain Diplomatic Relations
Prime Minister Sanchez’s visit highlights the expanding partnership between India and Spain in strategic sectors, underscoring India’s commitment to building a self-reliant defense sector through international collaborations. For Spain, the visit brings new economic opportunities within India’s rapidly growing market.
After the historic meeting and inauguration, PM Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to leave for Spain in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, 2024, concluding a pivotal visit for India-Spain diplomatic relations.
