Spain has begun steps to replace its Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, after reports flagged possible breaches of protocol, misuse of public funds and questionable financial conduct. The action follows a report submitted by Spain’s Foreign Ministry to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in May, according to reports which cited a Spanish media outlet, The Objective’s report.
Although the allegations have surfaced in Spanish media, they have not yet been proven.
The report claims the ambassador approached Spanish companies operating in India and the Rajasthan government to sponsor cultural events. These events were meant to promote artists who were not Spanish.
It adds that the ministry was not informed and no official financial
records were to be maintained by the embassy.
The performances were planned as part of the Spain-India Dual Year and coincided with the ambassador’s birthday. However, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) later blocked these events.
What Was Done With The Money?
The artists reportedly included STEM Dance Kampani, Spanish tenor Joan Laínez and Chinese mezzo-soprano Huiling Zhu. The report also said Huiling “was rumored to have a romantic relationship with the ambassador”.
“This artist, who is not Spanish, received €18,000 from the cultural budget of this embassy,” the report said. The ambassador had justified the funding by claiming her repertoire mainly featured Spanish songs. However, her official profile does not reportedly mention Spanish music.
The report further alleged that the Ambassador reached a private arrangement with BLS, an Indian firm that processes Spanish visas, for a contribution of €5,000 towards a cultural event in Rajasthan. BLS handles visa services for Spain in India and other countries.
Family Links And Next Aappointment
The report also raised questions about the role of the ambassador’s daughter, Milena March Franzi. It said she holds a diplomatic passport and has been active in professional engagements in India.
“They’ve established a company to introduce businesses to India. Milena attends private events in embassy cars and lives in the residence while doing business for her father. “She’s his front,” a former ambassador told the publication, calling it an “unprecedented scandal”.
March took charge as ambassador in September 2024 after his appointment was cleared earlier that year. He is expected to retire in February 2028.
Alfredo Martínez Serrano, currently Spain’s ambassador to Canada, is likely to replace him in New Delhi once India grants approval. The transition could take place in the coming weeks.
March is also seen as close to former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and former Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos. Reports said Moratinos had earlier taken up delays in March’s appointment with Indian authorities.
