Spain Recalls Ambassador to India Amid Financial Irregularities Probe
Spain has recalled its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, amid allegations of financial irregularities and breaches of diplomatic protocol, according to reports published by Spanish newspaper El Objetivo.
The ambassador is accused of organising cultural programmes, including dance and music concerts, in Rajasthan without obtaining prior approval from Madrid. The events reportedly featured a Spanish tenor, a Chinese-German mezzo-soprano and a local dance company.
According to the reports, March Pujol sought sponsorship of around €40,500 from Spanish companies and the Rajasthan government for the events. He also allegedly agreed personally to accept a €5,000 contribution from BLS International, an Indian company involved in visa processing. The Spanish embassy’s finance department was reportedly unaware of the funds.
The ambassador has also been accused of authorising a payment of €18,000 from the embassy’s cultural budget to an Indian singer. Spanish authorities are reportedly examining allegations that March Pujol had a personal relationship with the singer.
Spanish authorities are investigating the ambassador over the allegations, while reports indicate that he is being prosecuted in Spain. Madrid is expected to replace him within the next few weeks with a senior career diplomat.
Meanwhile, Indian authorities have strongly denied reports that the Spanish ambassador was arrested in India on corruption charges, clarifying that the matter concerns an investigation being conducted by Spanish authorities.
