India and Spain deepen ties with plans for a Spanish consulate in Bengaluru and a “dual year” celebration in 2026
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that Spain would soon open a consulate in Bengaluru, signaling growing ties between the two nations. Addressing the Indian community in Madrid, he also shared plans to mark 2026 as a “dual year” dedicated to culture, tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, strengthening collaboration further, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
During an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Madrid, EAM S. Jaishankar confirmed Spain’s decision to establish a consulate in Bengaluru, a move that highlights the expanding scope of bilateral relations. The minister emphasized the mutual growth in business and cultural exchanges, adding that 2026 will celebrate a “dual year” to promote cultural ties, tourism, and advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
Jaishankar remarked on the deepening relationship between the two countries, stating that such developments signify a commitment to fostering stronger ties and people-to-people connections.
Bengaluru to host Spanish consulate as India-Spain ties grow stronger.
2026 will be marked as a “dual year” to celebrate culture, tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, enhancing India-Spain relations.
Jaishankar praised India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, highlighting transformative initiatives. He cited achievements like providing 40 million homes for low-income families, benefiting approximately 200 million people, which is 54 times Spain’s population.
He also spotlighted Ayushman Bharat, which offers free or subsidized healthcare to 400 million Indians—nearly 10 times Spain’s population. Other accomplishments include the distribution of 110 million gas cylinders under welfare schemes and the scale of cashless transactions in India, which exceed 16 billion per month, far surpassing global leaders like the U.S.
These efforts, Jaishankar said, reflect the Modi government’s commitment to improving lives and increasing India’s global standing, a sentiment echoed by the Indian diaspora in Spain.
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