‘Direct air links with India strengthen not just tourism, but also business & investment:’ Miquel Sàmper Rodríguez

Miquel Sàmper Rodríguez, Minister for Business and Labour, Government of Catalonia, Spain,

NEW DELHI: With trade ties on the rise, India and Spain could finally see direct air connectivity. Miquel Sàmper Rodríguez, minister for business and labour, government of Catalonia, Spain, has told TOI “direct air links strengthen not just tourism, but also business, investment, talent and academic exchanges, supporting companies expanding across both markets and deepening India–Catalonia ties.”Excerpts from a conversation:Q. What do you see as the next phase of India and Catalonia relationship? A. India is at the heart of Catalonia’s international ambitions. Under our 2026–2030 internationalisation strategy, India is a priority market for Catalan companies’ global growth and for attracting investment to Catalonia. In 2025, Catalan exports to India reached €652 million, more than doubling over the past decade, while imports from India have also continued to expand, with 99 Catalan subsidiaries in India and 67 Indian subsidiaries in Catalonia.We now see an opportunity to deepen this relationship through technology, innovation and investment, particularly in AI, DeepTech, semiconductors, HealthTech, Energy Tech, SpaceTech and advanced manufacturing. Catalonia Trade & Investment’s new Delhi office, alongside our Mumbai presence and 30+ years in India, will strengthen business support and institutional dialogue, helping convert this strong foundation into long-term partnerships. It will provide tailor-made information and end-to-end support for Indian companies establishing in Catalonia, while helping Catalan companies enter and expand in India.Q. Why is India particularly important to Catalonia at this point?A. India is a strategic market for Catalonia, combining a large economy, skilled talent and a strong technology ecosystem. Under Catalonia’s 2026–2030 internationalisation strategy, India is identified as a priority market for Catalan companies’ global growth and for attracting Indian investment into Catalonia. Our new Catalonia Trade & Investment office in Delhi reflects this importance, strengthening engagement with Indian businesses, investors, government and industry bodies.Q. Connectivity is critical for business. Is improving direct aviation connectivity between India and Barcelona part of the conversation?A. Connectivity is an important enabler of stronger economic relationships. As business, investment and institutional links between India and Catalonia grow, it is natural that we should also look at how we can make it easier for people to move between our markets.Our discussions will include connectivity, as direct air links can strengthen not just tourism but also business, investment, talent and academic exchanges, supporting companies expanding across both markets and deepening India–Catalonia ties.Q. How has your India visit been in terms of outcomes?A. Success would not simply be measured by the number of meetings we have during the visit. It would be measured by what happens after we return.The opening of Catalonia Trade & Investment’s new Delhi office is particularly significant in this context. It provides a long-term platform from which we can continue the conversations initiated during this visit and expand Catalonia’s engagement with the Indian business and investment community. It is a tangible demonstration that we are committed to the relationship for the long term.We are already seeing examples of the potential. The proposed investment by Barcelona-based technology company Submer in Madhya Pradesh’s semiconductor ecosystem demonstrates how Catalan technology and expertise can contribute to India’s high-tech ambitions.The Catalonia Trade & Investment–NASSCOM Letter of Intent can also provide a framework for taking these conversations forward, encouraging greater collaboration between companies, startups and research institutions.If this visit creates the foundations of these kinds of lasting partnerships, it will be a meaningful success.Q. Barcelona often gets overshadowed internationally by Madrid when India thinks about Spain. What would you say to an Indian company deciding where to establish its European presence?A. Barcelona and Catalonia offer Indian companies a strong European base, particularly in technology and innovation. Barcelona ranks 3rd globally and 1st in the EU for attracting AI foreign investment projects, while Catalonia ranks 4th globally and 1st in Europe for digital health foreign investment projects, according to IBM’s Global Location Trends 2025. Catalonia’s €334.8 billion economy, strong industrial base and 21.7% share of Spain’s manufacturing-industry sales further strengthen the proposition.Beyond these rankings, companies benefit from an ecosystem of universities, research centres, startups, investors and established industries, supported by global platforms such as Mobile World Congress.