Vadodara
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an address in Vadodara on Monday, praised the immense passion for Spanish football in India. He mentioned the iconic ‘El Clasico’ match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, noting that Saturday’s match, where Barcelona triumphed 4-0, was a hot topic of discussion among Indian fans as well.
“Spanish football, especially the excitement around Real Madrid and Barcelona, has a large following in India. Yesterday’s match, Barcelona’s victory, was discussed here just like in Spain,” PM Modi remarked, acknowledging the vibrant fanbase in India.
The Prime Minister made these comments during an event marking the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. He further highlighted the strong cultural ties between India and Spain, mentioning that food, films, and football have helped strengthen the bond between the two nations.
He also expressed excitement over the decision to celebrate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, signaling deeper collaboration between the two countries.
During the El Clasico, Robert Lewandowski’s brace and standout performances by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha helped Barcelona secure a decisive 4-0 victory, extending their lead in the La Liga standings.