India, Spain stress on dialogue, diplomacy for resolution of Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

Vadodara/New Delhi, Oct 29 (Representative) India and Spain on Monday voiced deep concern over the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts and underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for their resolution, a joint statement issued after the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in Vadodara on Monday said.On Ukraine, it said that both leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace …, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as earnest engagement between all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both sides agreed to remain in touch to support efforts aimed at negotiated settlement of the conflict.On the Middle East conflict, it said, both leaders shared their firm commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed their deep concern at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and called for restraint by all concerned. They urged that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and agreed that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and must end as soon as possible.They called for the immediate release of all hostages, immediate ceasefire and safe, sustained entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

They emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and urged all parties to comply with international law. They reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the two State solution, as well as their support for Palestine membership at the United Nations.On the Indo-Pacific, it said both sides emphasized the promotion of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, anchored in a rules-based international order, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They highlighted the importance of unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation, in compliance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.Spain welcomed India’s application to join the Ibero-American Conference as an Associate Observer, which will offer a platform to strengthen the ties with Latin American countries. Both sides committed to finalise the process by the Ibero-American Summit, to be held in Spain in 2026, so that India may actively participate in the activities of Spain´s Pro Tempore Secretariat.Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within the United Nations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), and other multilateral forums. India expressed its support for Spain’s UNSC candidature for the term 2031-32, while Spain expressed its support for India’s candidature for the period 2028-29.

Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability, and called for bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice without delay. They urged all countries to take immediate, sustained and irreversible action to prevent territory under their control from being used for terrorist purposes, and stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups proscribed by the UNSC including Al Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s multilateral initiatives in support of the Victims of Terrorism and their empowerment.Both leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the C-295 aircraft project as a symbol of the growing defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. In line with this growing partnership, and in recognition of the advanced capabilities and competitiveness of the Spanish defence industry and its contribution to the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they encouraged their respective defence industries in other sectors to set up similar joint projects in India.