Spain's President Sanchez Embraces Diwali and Aerospace in Vibrant India Visit

Spanish President Pedro Sanchez celebrated Diwali in Mumbai, lighting diyas and savoring Indian sweets. During his three-day visit, he inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex alongside PM Modi, marking a significant boost to India-Spain relations. Discussions included trade, defense, and technology, underscoring collaborative progress.

Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, accompanied by his wife Begona Gomez, immersed himself in the vibrant Diwali celebrations in Mumbai on Monday night. The couple participated in traditional festivities, lighting diyas and enjoying the spark of pencil crackers.

President Sanchez relished the taste of traditional Indian sweets like ladoos as he embarked on his three-day visit, which began in the early hours of Monday. His itinerary includes attending a program in Mumbai and departing for Spain on the following day.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Sanchez jointly ushered in a new era of aerospace collaboration by inaugurating the TATA Aircraft Complex at Vadodara's TASL Campus. Prime Minister Modi highlighted this facility's role in bolstering India-Spain relations and advancing the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative. The late Ratan Tata's approval was noted by Modi during the inauguration.

The C-295 aircraft factory is set to establish new benchmarks for the 'New India's' industrial capabilities, as it prepares to export aircraft on a global scale. This venture, managed by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd., plans to produce 56 aircraft, with 40 being manufactured locally in India.

Marking a historic milestone, this will represent India's first private sector Final Assembly Line for military aircraft. Both leaders witnessed cultural performances and engaged with the local populace during a vibrant roadshow in Vadodara.

The bilateral talks between Modi and Sanchez at Vadodara's historic Laxmi Vilas Palace covered critical areas such as trade, defense, and technology collaborations, as they shared a meal in the architectural marvel built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the 19th century.

(With inputs from agencies.)