Spain has begun the procedure to replace its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol, after reports alleged he accepted financial benefits from an Indian firm and used public money to support cultural activities. The Spanish Foreign Ministry sent a report on the matter to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in late May, according to Spanish digital outlet The Objective, as cited by The Economic Times. The allegations claim March used Spanish Embassy funds in India to back cultural events involving international performers with no links to Spain and requested financial support from companies for these activities. One case involves BLS International, an Indian firm handling visa services for Spanish missions, which reportedly agreed to contribute €5,000 for an event in Rajasthan. The reports focus on the use of diplomatic resources and public funds but do not indicate any finding of guilt. March was appointed ambassador in June 2024 after more than 12 years away from the service. His posting followed approval from Indian authorities after a five-month period. He had previously served as ambassador to Russia from 2007 to 2011 and held roles at the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the OECD. His career also included involvement in a Spanish-funded project to renovate a UN room in Geneva, which faced criticism over cost increases from an initial €16.6 million allocation to more than €20 million.
