India, Spain sign 7 agreements, decide to widen defence ties

NEW DELHI: India and Spain on Wednesday decided to widen defence partnership, conclude a civil nuclear deal and share best practices to jointly fight terror.

In the first PM-level visit to Spain in three decades, PM Modi and his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy held talks to strengthen strategic partnership amid signing of seven agreements, including on cyber security and transfer of sentenced persons. The intent to upgrade bilateral ties was evident when Modi said India was “committed to take ties to a new level”.

Since the talks were happening against the backdrop of Kabul attacks, countering terrorism and deradicalisation were key items on the table. “We reiterate that the fight against terrorism requires a robust international cooperation, and we call on all states to fully implement SC Resolution 1373 and all other relevant SC Resolutions,” suggested the Indo-Spanish joint statement following the talks.



Without directly naming Pakistan, the statement noted: “States and entities which encourage, support, finance terrorism… should be subjected to international laws… International community (should) end selective or partial approaches to combating terrorism.”

Looking to conclude a civil nuclear deal, Rajoy and Modi acknowledged the progress made in the negotiations held here on May 23. Both the PMs have also tasked their defence ministers to deepen the dialogue established in 2015, including co-production under Make in India. “Both leaders welcomed efforts to further cooperation…in the advanced aerospace sector. It will include participation of the Spanish defence industry in the Make in India programme for the Indian defence market and third country exports,” said the joint statement.

ET View
PM’s outreach to the third largest economy in the EU is timely. Apart from economic outreach, India & Spain can work together to counter terrorism. This is not just at the bilateral level but also in forums such as G-20. They can benefit from working together in renewable energy space too.