The Minister of Business and Labour of Catalonia, Miquel Sampere Rodríguez, is in India to strengthen the growing economic ties between Catalonia and India. His visit aims to promote new opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, deep technologies, healthcare, semiconductors, space technology, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Catalonia is one of Spain's key economic drivers and a leading European center for industry, technology, and innovation, boasting an economy valued at 334.8 billion euros in 2025. Rodríguez's visit, organized by the Catalan Ministry of Business and Labour and the international trade and investment agency CTI, demonstrates the region's continuous commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and business relations with India.
These trips occur against a backdrop of sustained growth in commercial relations: exports between Catalonia and India have more than doubled over the last decade, reaching 652 million euros in 2025. Furthermore, the relationship is supported by a strong bilateral corporate presence, with 166 companies from India and Catalonia operating in both markets.
As part of its commitment to India, Catalonia Trade & Investment is opening a new office in New Delhi this year to complement its existing presence in Mumbai and over thirty years of experience in the country. The new office is intended to enhance institutional dialogue and provide more effective support to Indian companies, investors, and institutions exploring opportunities in Catalonia, as well as Catalan firms looking to expand their operations in India.
Emphasizing the significance of these developing relations and the goals of his visit, Minister Rodríguez noted that Catalonia and India already have strong and growing business ties, but the potential for joint development is much broader. He stated: 'This visit provides an opportunity to develop these relationships and create more practical links between our companies, startups, research institutes, and innovation ecosystems.'
He added that collaboration with Nasscom has been an important step in this direction, especially in areas such as AI, deep technologies, semiconductors, medical technologies, energy technologies, and space technologies. 'We want these connections to translate into new investments, partnerships, and opportunities for companies on both sides.'
The Minister will hold meetings with key governmental and industrial stakeholders, such as Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister of Industry, Food and Supplies, and representatives of major industry associations, including FICCI and NASSCOM. Discussions will focus on prospects for broader economic cooperation, trade, and investment, particularly in sectors where Catalonia and India possess complementary strengths.
Barcelona has established itself as an international technology hub; according to the IBM Global Location Trends 2025 report, it ranks third globally and first in the European Union for attracting foreign investment projects in artificial intelligence, surpassing only London and Singapore.
Another area with great potential is healthcare and life sciences. Catalonia currently ranks fourth globally and leads Europe in attracting foreign investment projects in digital healthcare.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Minister of Industry, Food and Supplies, and Environment, Forests and Wildlife (Government of NCT Delhi), stated that Delhi is becoming a powerful center for industry, technology, and innovation. He noted: 'We see good potential to strengthen our interaction with Catalonia and create new opportunities for investment, technological partnership, and business cooperation. This visit is a welcome opportunity to advance these relations.'
