Spain replaces its Ambassador to India amid financial irregularity allegations
Alfredo Martínez Serrano may become his successor who is currently Spain’s ambassador to Canada
By Alok Lahad
Madrid ,Spain ,10th August : Spain has initiated the process to replace its Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, following reports of alleged financial irregularities linked to the organisation of cultural events, Indian government sources confirmed this week. A new envoy is expected to take charge in the coming weeks.
March Pujol presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu in July 2024 and has served as Spain’s top diplomat in New Delhi since then. Before this posting he had spent more than a decade outside the diplomatic service and earlier held senior positions, including ambassadorial roles in other countries.
Spanish media outlets, particularly The Objective and El Confidencial, reported earlier this year that the ambassador had sought to organise a series of cultural performances in Rajasthan in February 2026 to mark aspects of the 70th anniversary of India-Spain diplomatic relations and the Spain-India Dual Year. The planned events were to feature an Indian dance company, a Spanish tenor and a Chinese-German mezzo-soprano. According to those reports, the ambassador approached several Spanish companies operating in India as well as the Rajasthan government for sponsorships. One firm mentioned was BLS International, the company that handles outsourced visa-processing services for the Spanish Embassy in India and other Spanish missions. Spanish reporting alleged that arrangements were discussed under which contributions would not pass through official embassy accounts.
A report was subsequently submitted by a Spanish Foreign Ministry official to Spain’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in late May. That step, according to Spanish media, contributed to Madrid’s decision to replace the envoy. The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) had earlier intervened regarding the proposed activities.
Speaking to The Indian Express from Europe, where he is currently on leave, March Pujol stated that he is leaving the posting for personal health reasons and not because of the allegations. He said there had been no expenditure by the Spanish Embassy on the disputed events, describing the matter as a misunderstanding, and noted that the planned activities did not ultimately take place.
Spain has begun formal steps to appoint a successor. Reports indicate that Alfredo Martínez Serrano, currently Spain’s ambassador to Canada, has been proposed for the New Delhi post, with the process of seeking India’s agrément under way.
The allegations remain under examination by Spanish authorities and have not resulted in any formal judicial findings. Diplomatic sources in New Delhi have indicated that the transition is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with routine bilateral engagement continuing through established channels.
