India and Spain must pool their resources and capabilities to combat terrorism in all its forms, President Droupadi Murmu said on Wednesday, underlining the shared position of the two countries on countering a threat that continues to endanger global peace and stability.
The president made the remarks during a meeting with Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, who called on her at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Emphasising the long-standing ties between the two nations, Murmu said relations between India and Spain stretch back centuries and are enriched by trade, culture and shared values of democracy and pluralism.
She said India and Spain, as strong adherents to multilateralism, must work closely on platforms such as the United Nations and the G20 to advance common objectives of peace, prosperity and global stability.
Underlining their convergence on security concerns, Murmu said terrorism remains a serious threat worldwide and stressed the need for joint efforts. She said both countries must pool their resources and capabilities to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
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The president also highlighted the growing economic engagement between the two countries, pointing to expanding trade and investment opportunities. Spain’s strengths in engineering, railways, renewable energy, urban services and defence aerospace align closely with India’s development priorities, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.
Murmu expressed confidence that the signing of the India–European Union free trade agreement would further strengthen bilateral trade ties. The European Union is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods reaching USD 135 billion in the financial year 2023–24.
She noted that India’s engagement with Europe and the EU continues to deepen and said, “we are looking forward to welcoming the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission as Chief Guests for our 77th Republic Day”.
EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will attend the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, with both sides expected to seal the long-pending free trade agreement the following day.
Murmu also noted that 2026 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Spain, to be commemorated through the India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence.
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