India, Spain Strengthen Ties as Jaishankar Extends Greetings and Madhya Pradesh Signs MoU with Fira Barcelona

New Delhi, Oct 2025 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday extended warm greetings to Spain on its National Day, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

In a post on Instagram, Jaishankar said, “Best wishes to Foreign Minister José Manuel Albarec, the government, and the people of Spain on their National Day. Value the depth of our multifaceted cooperation.” His message highlighted the expanding partnership between the two nations in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, strengthening India-Spain collaboration at the state level, the Madhya Pradesh government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fira Barcelona International to establish an international-level convention centre in the state.

The MoU was formalised at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Center in Bhopal in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. According to an official statement, the upcoming convention centre will serve as a premier platform for hosting global events, industrial exhibitions, and investment conferences, boosting Madhya Pradesh’s international engagement.

The initiative stems from Chief Minister Yadav’s visit to Spain in July 2025, during which he held discussions with Fira Barcelona officials and extended an invitation to global investors to explore opportunities in Madhya Pradesh.

The signing ceremony was attended by Spanish Ambassador Juan Antonio March Pujol, Fira Barcelona CEO Richard Zapatero, and the organisation’s India representative Mukesh Arora. Ambassador Pujol also held detailed discussions with Chief Minister Yadav on deepening economic and cultural ties between Spain and Madhya Pradesh.

According to the state government, the partnership will help position Madhya Pradesh as a global hub for conferences and exhibitions, aligning its development with international standards in smart urban solutions, technology, and trade promotion.

The MoU is expected to open new avenues for industrial growth and foreign investment, giving Madhya Pradesh a prominent place on the world map as a host of global dialogues and business events.

Officials said the convention centre will attract top industrialists, investors, and companies from around the world, fostering international partnerships and expanding the state’s role in the global economic network.