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

Spain's foreign ministry is replacing its ambassador to India, Juan Antonio March, following a series of reports by Spanish outlet The Objective detailing cultural events and spending arranged without the ministry's knowledge, according to the publication.The Objective reported that the council of ministers has approved a request for India's agrément on a successor, Alfredo Martínez Serrano, currently Spain's ambassador to Canada and a former chief of protocol for the Spanish royal household. Citing diplomatic sources, the outlet said the New Delhi handover is expected within weeks.The shakeup follows a complaint sent in late May to Spain's anti-corruption prosecutor's office by a foreign ministry official, flagging conduct by March that could carry criminal implications tied to public procurement and fund management.The complaint, which the outlet said it had reviewed, was also forwarded to Spain's court of auditors.