‘Our idea is to be constructive; Spain deserves to be G20 member’
NEW DELHI : Spain’s ambassador to India, Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez, expressed his country’s desire to become a permanent member of G20. Spain, the world’s 15th largest economy, is currently a permanent invitee to the grouping. In an interview, Dominguez also called on India to take a more assertive stance on global issues like the Ukraine war and commented on China’s new standard map that makes extensive territorial claims.
He also said Spain is willing to deepen defence ties with India, including through the transfer of defence technology. He added that Spain is ready to work with India on aircraft carrier technology. Edited excerpts: Whatever I will say in this answer, I would like to underline this is because of my love of India, not to criticize India.
When one loves one country, he has the right to raise concerns. Let me underline two feelings I have. The first one is that I feel that India sometimes considers that the rest of the world must recognize India as a superpower.
So, it’s a question of recognition. Let me say that in our experience, this situation is not recognized. It is something you have to fight for.
So, I think India’s attitude of waiting to be recognized is perhaps not the most useful. You have to take a stance in this complicated world. For instance, the Indian government faces hindrances in being more clear towards the Ukraine war.
We can understand this because every country has its own history, but at the same time, within that, the position of India is very important. Ukraine is not a European war. It is a war in Europe.
Read more on livemint.com
