Catalonia and Madhya Pradesh Explore New Avenues in Trade, Tourism, and Innovation

In a significant stride toward fortifying international ties, Hon’ble Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav held a high-profile bilateral meeting on July 18, 2025, in Barcelona with H.E. Jaume Duch Guillot, Minister for European Union and Foreign Action, Government of Catalonia. This meeting marks a pivotal development in the evolving partnership between Madhya Pradesh and Catalonia, underpinned by shared priorities in trade, tourism, innovation, academia, and cultural engagement. At a time when regional governments increasingly pursue strategic global linkages, this dialogue amplifies Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as an emerging destination for European cooperation and investment.

During their discussions, Chief Minister Yadav and Minister Guillot explored an array of sectors to deepen cooperation. Dr. Yadav proposed forging academic and research linkages between top Indian institutes such as IIT Indore and IISER Bhopal and universities in Barcelona, affirming that "Madhya Pradesh is rapidly progressing towards becoming a world‑class hub for research and innovation". This sentiment underscores the state's ambition to attract global talent and collaborate on cutting‑edge research platforms. Minister Guillot signalled his support, recognising India and the EU as regional powers and emphasising the importance of "strong and strategic cooperation" on multilateral fronts, including platforms like the WTO.

On trade and investment, Dr. Yadav extended a warm invitation to Catalonian companies, particularly in food processing, textiles, renewable energy, and textile machinery. He highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s investor‑friendly industrial policy, robust logistics network, and dynamic youth workforce as compelling assets for European investors. An official meeting included Catalonian textile machinery firms, where Yadav underscored technology transfer and sustainable production, stating that European pioneers are "invited to establish production units in Madhya Pradesh". Complementing this outreach, an MoU was signed with Spanish firm Submer Technologies SL during Yadav’s Spain visit, focusing on energy‑efficient, AI‑ready data centres—enhancing MP’s digital infrastructure with global technical collaboration.

Tourism and cultural diplomacy also featured prominently in the talks. A tourism-focused agreement was reached to launch joint campaigns across Europe promoting Madhya Pradesh’s UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sanchi, Khajuraho, and Bhimbetka. Identifying the region’s cultural synergy, Yadav advocated for intensified exchanges in performing arts, cinema, literature, and museum sectors. Moreover, building on popular initiatives, both sides discussed collaboration with the FC Barcelona Foundation to promote sports, leadership, and life‑skills programs, signalling a holistic, people‑centric approach to diplomacy.

State‑level innovation and technical diplomacy were also addressed. Drawing inspiration from Catalonia’s leadership in urban development, Dr. Yadav proposed technical partnerships in smart cities, green building standards, and urban transport systems, and suggested establishing a joint working group to identify and execute strategic projects. A further field visit to Mercabarna—the integrated food logistics hub in Barcelona—reinforced this goal, with the CM extending an invitation for Catalonian expertise in integrated agricultural value chain systems to Madhya Pradesh.

Minister Guillot reinforced the significance of these developments, affirming that “the world needs to be re‑established on the foundation of international rules” and highlighting that the WTO must continue playing a vital role in shaping future global cooperation. His remarks stressed shared values and institutional frameworks underpinning the bilateral relationship.

This meeting thus emerges as a key development in consolidating the partnership between Madhya Pradesh and Catalonia. By integrating commitments across trade, investment, academia, tourism, cultural diplomacy, and urban innovation, both regions have paved a cohesive roadmap for sustained collaboration. The combination of high-level agreements, memoranda of understanding, and policy dialogue underscores a mutual intent to transition from intent to implementation—sweetened by Catalonia’s role as a gateway for broader European engagement.

Looking ahead, the outcomes from this dialogue promise to propel joint initiatives: technology-driven industrial parks, energy‑efficient digital ecosystems, and cultural‑tourism campaigns. The establishment of a bilateral working group signals a structural mechanism to monitor progress, facilitate follow‑through, and adapt partnerships to evolving opportunities. Equally, Catalonian involvement in smart-city planning and vocational education could elevate Madhya Pradesh’s urban development and skilling agenda.

In summary, the bilateral meeting between Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Minister Jaume Duch Guillot represents a milestone in subnational diplomacy, reflecting a maturing partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared governance priorities. With explicit agreements across investment, innovation, tourism, culture, and urban planning, this dialogue not only bolsters economic and educational linkages, but also reaffirms a shared commitment to global cooperation anchored in institutional integrity, laying a strong foundation for a long‑term, mutually beneficial alliance.