India and Spain Unite Against Terrorism: A Call for International Cooperation

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

NEW DELHI: India and Spain have united in their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. During a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, where both leaders emphasized the urgent need to enhance international collaboration to combat terrorism.

Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism

For the second time this week, Jaishankar reiterated the message of zero tolerance towards terrorism to a visiting European foreign minister. He previously conveyed this sentiment to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, making the point more emphatic due to Poland’s recent engagements with Pakistan.

A Changing World Order

“The world order is clearly undergoing a profound change. It is more imperative than ever before for nations to collaborate on shared challenges," Jaishankar stated during his opening remarks with Albares. He highlighted that both India and Spain have experienced the repercussions of terrorism firsthand, underscoring the necessity for a united front.

Comprehensive Review of India-Spain Relations

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ministers explored various facets of the India-Spain relationship, including trade, investment, defense, security, culture, tourism, and people-to-people ties. They also discussed recent developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.

Future Collaboration and Visits

As part of their discussions, Albares presented Jaishankar with a declaration regarding Spain’s accession to India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. He announced that Spanish President Pedro Sanchez would visit India soon, and expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would reciprocate with a visit to Spain.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between India and Spain signal a commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening bilateral ties, paving the way for a robust partnership in the face of global challenges.