Swaraj accepts Spain's top civic award during visit

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj accepted the prestigious Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit, which has been conferred by the Spanish government in recognition of India's support in evacuating its citizens from Nepal during the earthquake in 2015.

"Honour for India! On behalf of people of India, EAM @SushmaSwaraj accepts prestigious Grand Cross of Order of Civil Merit conferred by Spanish Government in recognition of India's support in evacuating 71 Spanish nationals during April 2015 Nepal earthquake," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, tweeted on Tuesday.

The Grand Cross of the Order of Merit is a civil honour which recognises extraordinary service for the benefit of Spain. India extended its full support in the rescue, evacuation and safe return of 71 Spanish Nationals during the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015.

She later met with her Spanish counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles over a working breakfast on Tuesday. Both the sides took stock of ties across fields, especially in trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, culture and tourism.

Swaraj arrived in Spain for the last leg of her three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco, and Spain from February 16 to 19. Indian and Morocco signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during Swaraj's visit to the nation on February 18. She is slated to wrap up her official visit and leave for India today.