Spain is preparing to replace its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, amid controversy over cultural events allegedly organised without Madrid’s approval and questions surrounding embassy spending.
March, who assumed charge in New Delhi in September 2024, is likely to be replaced in the coming weeks, according to Spanish digital outlet The Objective. Madrid has already begun the process of securing India’s agreement for his successor.
Who Is Juan Antonio March?
March is a seasoned Spanish diplomat with nearly three decades of experience. He has held several high-profile roles, including Spain’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva (2004–2007) and ambassador to Russia (2007–2011), according to information publicly available on the internet.
Over the course
of his career, he has also served in Armenia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, alongside postings in London, Rome and Mexico. His work has spanned international cooperation, multilateral affairs and senior roles within Spain’s foreign ministry.
Beyond government service, March has been associated with the private sector and global organisations. He was part of the International Advisory Board of infrastructure firm Abertis from 2015 to 2019 and has been a Partner of Counsel at ECIJA, a prominent international law firm that was founded in Madrid in 1997, since 2012.
He is also an author, with books on global politics and future trends, including Power & Future: ’20 World Leaders and Tomorrow and Momentum, on the Edge of the New World’.
Why Is He Being Replaced?
The proposed change comes amid scrutiny over the handling of cultural programmes linked to the Spanish embassy in India.
Also read: Spain Recalls India Envoy Amid ‘Financial Misconduct’ Allegations: What Happened?
The controversy began earlier this year over planned concerts in Rajasthan involving Bengaluru-based STEM Dance Kampni and performers Joan Laínez and Zhu Huiling. It has since widened to include questions over the use of public funds and procurement practices tied to these events.
