Spain begins process to replace ambassador to India over alleged financial favours: Report
Spain has begun the process to replace its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, following allegations of accepting financial favours and using embassy funds to promote cultural events. The allegations were reported by Spanish media and referred to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.
The Spanish government is proceeding to replace its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, due to allegations that he accepted financial favors from an Indian company and misused public funds for cultural events, according to reports. The Spanish Foreign Ministry forwarded a report about the diplomat to the country's Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in late May, as cited by The Economic Times.
March allegedly used embassy funds to sponsor cultural events involving international artists with no direct ties to Spain, and reportedly sought financial contributions from businesses for these events. One incident involves BLS International, an Indian firm supplying visa-processing services for Spanish diplomats, which March secured a €5,000 contribution from for a cultural event in Rajasthan.
The allegations pertain to the misuse of diplomatic resources and public funds, though the reports do not confirm any guilt on March's part. March, a seasoned diplomat appointed in June 2024, previously served in Russia, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization, among other positions. The controversy revolves around his use of diplomatic resources and public funds, but the reports refrain from asserting any definitive findings of wrongdoing.
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