Spain is set to bring a new ambassador in New Delhi, with diplomat Juan Antonio March Pujol likely to be replaced amid controversy over cultural events allegedly being organised without Madrid's approval and questions about the use of embassy funds.
March, who took charge as Spain's ambassador to India in September 2024, is expected to be replaced within the next few weeks, Spanish digital daily The Objective reported. The Spanish government has already begun seeking an agreement with India for his successor.
Who is Juan Antonio March?
Juan Antonio March is a veteran Spanish diplomat with around 30 years of experience in international relations. He has served in several prominent diplomatic positions, including as Spain's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva from 2004 to 2007 and ambassador to Russia from 2007 to 2011.
According to London Speaker Bureau, he also served as ambassador to Armenia, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan during his diplomatic career. His career has included postings in London, Rome and Mexico, alongside his senior ambassadorial assignments and work on international cooperation and multilateral affairs.
March has held senior positions within Spain's foreign affairs establishment.
He has also held positions in the private sector and international affairs organisations. He was a member of the International Advisory Board of multinational company Abertis from 2015 to 2019 and has been a Partner of Counsel at ECIJA since 2012.
March has written books on international relations and future perspectives, including Power & Future: 20 World Leaders and Tomorrow and Momentum, on the Edge of the New World.
Why is March being replaced?
The move comes as March faces scrutiny over his handling of cultural events linked to the Spanish embassy.
The controversy surfaced earlier this year over plans for concerts in Rajasthan featuring Bengaluru-based STEM Dance Kampni and tenors Joan Laínez and Zhu Huiling. The controversy has since spiralled beyond the proposed concerts, with questions being raised over public funds and procurement.
Spain's Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office received a report in May from a foreign ministry official concerning March. The report said certain details regarding the ambassador, which “if true, could have criminal relevance in the area of public procurement and the management of funds”, The Objective reported.
Opposition lawmakers and UGT, a major Spanish trade union, have called for March's dismissal.
The case also involves Zhu Huiling, who has dual Chinese and German nationality. Zhu received €18,000 from the Spanish embassy in New Delhi last year for concerts organised by March, according to the media report.
Zhu was hired for two concerts in New Delhi and Kathmandu in July, and another in Bhutan in October, when March travelled there to present his credentials.
The matter came to light after the Spanish embassy's cultural attaché sent a report to Madrid about plans to raise funds for concerts in 2026 without informing the foreign ministry.
The hiring of Zhu also stood out because Spanish embassies are obligated to promote the country's culture with Spanish artists or local performers who have artistic ties to Spain, according to The Objective.
Who is replacing March?
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has asked the government to begin the process of appointing Alfredo Martínez Serrano, currently Spain's ambassador to Canada, as the country's next envoy to India.
Madrid has sent a communication to the Indian side seeking agrément, or formal approval, for Martínez Serrano's appointment as ambassador in New Delhi, according to the report.