Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s speech at an event on Monday included the mention of Spanish football‘s popularity in India and the recent ‘El Clasico‘ between Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.
Talking about the game played on Saturday, PM Modi emphasized that the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the fans of both clubs in India rival that of their Spanish counterparts.
“Spanish football is liked a lot in India…Barcelona’s spectacular victory (in El Clasico) was a subject of discussion here as well. I can also tell you that there was as much banter between the fans of the two clubs in India, as it would’ve been in Spain,” PM Modi said at the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara. The complex will manufacture C-295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force..
Prime Minister Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez together inaugurated the facility.
The Prime Minister also discussed the prevalence and appreciation of yoga in Spain. “I have heard that yoga is also very popular in Spain,” he said.
Touching upon India and Spain’s multifaceted partnership, PM Modi said, “Whether it’s food, films or football, our strong people-to-people connect has always strengthened our ties.”
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that India and Spain have decided to celebrate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.
“Food, films, and football all connect us through strong people-to-people ties. I am happy that India and Spain have decided to celebrate the year 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI…” said the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski’s two goals, combined with impressive displays from rising star Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, propelled Barcelona to a resounding 4-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.
The triumph allowed Barcelona to widen the gap between themselves and their fierce rivals in the La Liga standings, solidifying their position at the top of the table.
