Spain replaces its India ambassador after row over use of funds for cultural events

Spain has replaced its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March, following reports that he used public funds for unauthorized cultural events, according to Spanish publication The Objective. The Foreign Ministry announced the appointment of Alfredo Martínez Serrano, the country's ambassador to Canada and a former royal household protocol chief, as March's replacement.

The move comes after a complaint was filed with Spain's anti-corruption prosecutor's office by a government official, alleging potential criminal wrongdoing related to public procurement and fund management. The controversy began with concerts held in Rajasthan in February, organized without approval from Madrid. The events, featuring Spanish tenor Joan Laínez and Chinese-German mezzo-soprano Huiling Zhu, were ultimately halted by Spain's international development agency due to concerns over irregularities.

The publication alleged that March intended to fund the performances entirely through outside sponsors, including the Rajasthan state government and Spanish firms, in a bid to avoid oversight by the ministry. The controversy also included allegations of personal relationships and improper use of government travel authorizations for March's daughter.