Modi in Spain: Signs 7 MoUs, calls for joint fight against terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a whirlwind tour of four nations on Wednesday left for Russia after concluding a visit to Spain, where he inked seven agreements to firm up investments. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Spain since 1992, held wide-ranging talks with President Mariano Rajoy. The MoUs signed include cooperation in organ transplant, cyber security, renewable energy, and civil aviation. Spain is the 12th largest investor in India and the seventh largest trading partner in the European Union. There are more than 200 Spanish companies in India that are actively involved in road construction projects, railways, wind power, water desalination, defence, and smart cities.

Gopal Baglay, Spokesman, External Affairs Ministry, termed the meeting a "fresh impetus to a multifarious relationship". Modi also recommended boosting bilateral cooperation to fight terrorism as "both our countries have faced the security challenge". Spain figures among countries topping the target list of dreaded terror group ISIS.

A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting stressed that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism and that there can be no justification for any act of terror. Both leaders welcomed efforts to further cooperation between defence industries, including co-development and co-production agreements and technological cooperation.

BONHOMIE

• PM Modi becomes first prime minister to visit Spain since 1992. Holds talks with Spanish Prez Rajoy.
   
• Inks seven agreements to beef up investments. Signs MoUs on cyber security, civil aviation, renewable energy, etc.