Pradhan addresses closing ceremony on India-Spain Higher Education

Union Minister for Education addressed the closing ceremony of the India–Spain Conference on Higher Education in New Delhi today. The two-day conference was organised on 19–20 February 2026 with the active support of the Embassy of Spain in India. The conference coincided with the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

While addressing, Dharmendra Pradhan said that as we celebrate the Spain–India Dual Year 2026, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties, education, research, and youth exchanges are central to the shared vision of the two countries. The Minister noted that India’s National Education Policy 2020 enables global academic collaboration and extended a warm invitation to leading Spanish universities to set up campuses in India. He emphasized that India is open, ready, and welcoming.

Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Higher Education, stated that the conference has brought together leadership from the higher education systems of India and Spain at a defining moment in the bilateral partnership. He noted that the deliberations over the past two days were focused and forward-looking, reaffirming that education remains central to India–Spain engagement.

HJuan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, said that Spain is honoured by the presence of the Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. Emphasising that knowledge strengthens societies and guides future generations, he underlined the vital role of universities.

Prof. Eva Alcón, President of CRUE, said that the Spanish universities, together with the Government of Spain, remain firmly committed to strengthening international academic cooperation with India. This summit marks not a conclusion, but the beginning of a long and meaningful partnership.(UPDATED ON 20TH FEB 2026)