On January 1, Bala Venkatesh Varma presented his diplomatic credentials to King Felipe of Spain. The new Indian ambassador has taken office at a time of unsurpassed relations between the two countries, especially after the celebration in 2016 of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and India.
Since its creation in 2009, the Spain India Council Foundation has played a major role in strengthening bilateral relations. Its activities, such as the SICF Award, the Indian Leaders Programme and the Spain India Forum have created strong ties between the two societies at every level.
The Ministry of External Affairs and Cooperation, for which the Council Foundations network is a powerful public diplomacy tool, has offered unwavering support to SICF. The Foundation also relies on the companies and organisations that are part of its Board. These are an outstanding example of Spain's business, economic, social and cultural potential and have a strong footprint in India and other parts of the world, making them the perfect way to promote Spain's leadership areas such as technology and infrastructure.
The Foundation therefore organised a breakfast meeting with Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma which was attended by its Patrons and led by SICF Chairman Antonio Escámez. The Secretary of State for External Affairs, Ildefonso Castro, was also in attendance; his overview of relations between the two countries helped familiarise the new ambassador with the Foundation.
The Foundation's patrons also had the chance to introduce their companies and organisations and outline their interests in India. Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma made some remarks on bilateral relations and economic perspectives, giving rise to a successful, enriching first point of contact with the Foundation members.
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