Co-organized with ORF, and with the theme "Spain and India as Global Partners", the Forum explored in New Delhi the opportunities for bilateral cooperation as global partners | Executive Summary III Spain-India Forum
On 22 November, the III Spain-India Forum kicked off at the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi with the inauguration ceremony and the launch of the Spain-India Observatory (SIOb). The ceremony witnessed the participation of prominent leaders, experts and dignitaries from both countries, marking a milestone in bilateral relations. The Secretary General of Instituto Cervantes, Carmen Noguero, welcomed the distinguished guests, highlighting the importance of Spanish in the world and its potential as a cultural bridge between the two nations. Secretary General Noguero highlighted the intrinsic value of the Spanish language and its ability to strengthen cultural and commercial ties.
The Foundation, a driving force in Spain-India relations
The President of the Spain-India Council Foundation (SICF), Juan Ignacio Entrecanales, emphasised the crucial role of the Foundation as a promoter of strategic partnerships between Spain and India. His speech underlined the Foundation's commitment to catalyse joint projects that foster mutual development.
Immediately afterwards, Professor Harsh V. Pant, Vice President for Studies and Foreign Policy at the Indian think-tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF), shared his thoughts on the importance of the event, as well as the prominent role of the Spain-India Observatory and the Spain-India Council Foundation in bringing the two nations closer together. Professor Pant highlighted the relevance of Spain-India collaboration in knowledge generation and the positive effect of increased cooperation and dialogue between Spain and India.
The Spanish Ambassador to India, José María Ridao, alluded to the geographical distance that separates the two nations, but stressed that the opportunities for collaboration are enormous. Ambassador Ridao stressed the importance of overcoming geographical barriers to fully exploit the potential of this bilateral relationship.
New chapter in Spain-India relations
A special highlight of the event was the inaugural address by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs of India. Secretary Verma encouraged further enhancement of bilateral relations, envisioning a promising future, and encouraged further strengthening of Indo-Spanish ties. In a gesture of appreciation, Sanjay Verma congratulated the Foundation and the Observatory for playing a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding and building a strong bridge between Spain and India.
The opening ceremony concluded with optimism and the certainty that these joint efforts will mark a new chapter in the relationship between Spain and India.
