The selection of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence as the pillars of the Spain–India Dual Year was jointly agreed by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Sánchez in October 2024. It reflects priorities widely recognised on the international agenda, both from a bilateral perspective for India and Spain and in terms of their relevance to the global community in the second decade of the 21st century.
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▫️ Culture
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It is an essential pillar of contemporary diplomacy and a key instrument for fostering understanding between societies. India and Spain are two nations whose ancient histories and cultures underpin their identities and offer numerous points of connection. In their many expressions, cultural initiatives will showcase the richness of our national and shared heritage.
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▫️ Tourism
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Tourism is one of the main drivers of economic and social connection between countries, particularly in its cultural, educational and high value-added dimensions. Spain is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, and its extensive experience in this sector is reflected in the growing number of visitors each year, in globally recognised events such as FITUR, and in the development of new ways to manage tourism flows so that, without reducing numbers, tourism can grow more sustainably. India, for its part, is making significant efforts in infrastructure and promotion to ensure that its vast historical heritage and strengths as a destination translate into an industry aligned with the country’s size and potential.
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▫️ Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial Intelligence has become a strategic field for growth, competitiveness and global governance, promoting human-centred, ethical and responsible innovation. At a time when the international community is debating national and international AI regulation, and as AI increasingly shapes both public and private life, cooperation in this area is essential. Through innovation and sustained effort, India has emerged as a global AI powerhouse. Initiatives such as the Universal AI University in Mumbai and the global AI hub in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) demonstrate this momentum. Spain and India therefore aim to work together in this field not only as a pillar of the Dual Year, but also as a driver that will decisively influence the other two.
The convergence of these three areas positions the Spain–India Dual Year in alignment with the major cultural, economic and technological transformations of the 21st century.
