Spain to replace Ambassador to India following misconduct allegations

Spain has initiated the process to replace its Ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, following allegations of financial misconduct and breaches of diplomatic protocol.

According to reports, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a report to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in May detailing potential irregularities. The allegations include the misuse of public funds to sponsor cultural events that promoted non-Spanish artists and the solicitation of financial favors from private entities. Specifically, the reports suggest that March Pujol approached Spanish companies and the Rajasthan government to sponsor events that coincided with his birthday, without informing the ministry or maintaining official financial records.

One key area of investigation involves BLS International, an Indian visa processing agency. It is alleged that March Pujol secured a €5,000 contribution from the firm for a cultural event in Rajasthan, raising concerns regarding conflicts of interest. While the allegations have been reported in Spanish media, they remain unproven as administrative and legal reviews proceed.