Madrid, April 24 — In the framework of cultural and institutional relations, the President of the Hindu Federation of Spain, Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa (Juan Carlos Ramchandani), held a meeting with the Ambassador of India to Spain, H.E. Mr. Jayant N. Khobragade, at the Embassy in Madrid.
During the meeting, a dossier was presented outlining the legal framework concerning the recognition of “notorious rootedness” (notorio arraigo) in Spain, as well as the current situation of Hinduism in the country. This religious tradition has a documented presence of more than 130 years in Spain and an estimated community of nearly 80,000 followers, yet it still lacks this official legal recognition, which limits access to certain rights and institutional agreements available to other faiths.
The meeting took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, addressing various aspects related to the reality of Hindu communities in Spain, as well as potential avenues for collaboration in cultural and social initiatives.
The Hindu Federation of Spain brings together religious entities, communities and temples of the Hindu tradition across the country, and is recognized as a valid interlocutor by the Spanish Government as well as by regional and local administrations.
The Embassy of India highlighted the positive nature of the meeting through its official social media channels, noting that it was a fruitful exchange in which topics such as expanding cultural outreach and strengthening community welfare activities were discussed.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to promote mutual understanding, institutional dialogue, and collaboration in cultural initiatives between Spain and India. Furthermore, while Hinduism in Spain is practiced by individuals of Indian origin as well as by people of diverse nationalities and backgrounds, India is widely regarded as its spiritual homeland, as it is the source of its sacred sites, traditions, teachers, and lineages.
According to Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa (Juan Carlos Ramchandani), the meeting was “very positive,” highlighting the openness and interest shown by the Ambassador. He also noted that the work of the Embassy of India and its diplomatic team can contribute meaningfully to advancing the institutional recognition of Hinduism in Spain.