The inaugural ‘Made in India’ C-295 military transport aircraft is on track for completion before September 2026, as announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This development signals India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
During a meeting between Jaishankar and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in New Delhi, the External Affairs Minister emphasized that this milestone underscores the deepening defense industrial collaboration between India and Spain. He remarked on the profound changes occurring in the global order, highlighting the necessity for nations to work together in addressing shared challenges, particularly terrorism. Jaishankar advocated for a decisive stance against terrorism, recalling that both nations have faced its adverse effects.
India is set to procure a total of 56 C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, under a substantial ₹21,935 crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space. Notably, of these, 40 aircraft will be produced in India, marking a pivotal enhancement to the country’s defense manufacturing landscape. Jaishankar reminded attendees of the October 2024 inauguration of the C-295 final assembly line in Vadodara by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a significant step towards local production.
Highlighting the economic partnership, Jaishankar stressed that Spain ranks among India’s key trading partners within the European Union, noting that bilateral trade in goods has surpassed $8 billion in recent years. Spanish enterprises are increasingly present in India across various sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, urban mobility, engineering, and water management. Conversely, Indian businesses have made inroads in Spain in areas such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components. Jaishankar pointed out that significant opportunities remain for strengthening business collaboration further.
The External Affairs Minister expressed gratitude for Spain’s support towards fostering deeper India-EU relations and welcomed its engagement in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. He also announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next month, reiterating that India’s approach to artificial intelligence prioritizes human-centric development, inclusivity, and responsible use—principles closely aligned with European values.
Jaishankar remarked on the amicable and cooperative ties that bind India and Spain, grounded in shared democratic principles, multilateralism, and a commitment to a rules-based international order. As the two nations approach 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, this milestone will be celebrated as the India-Spain Dual Year of Culture and Tourism.
He further noted the growing intercultural connections between the two nations, as seen in the increasing popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda in Spain and the rising interest in Spanish language and culture within India. This cultural exchange continues to fortify the overall partnership between India and Spain, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across various domains.
