New Delhi: Marking the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations in January, India and Cuba reaffirmed their resolve to deepen cooperation grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and enduring solidarity.

Diplomatic ties were established in 1960, with India among the earliest Asian nations to recognise the Cuban Revolution. The relationship was shaped by formative high-level exchanges, including visits by Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, alongside engagements with India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, lending early warmth and political depth.

Contemporary Momentum

Bilateral engagement gathered renewed momentum in 2025, underscored by a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil.

Further impetus came through high-level visits by Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz to India and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita to Cuba, during which agreements were concluded to strengthen legal frameworks and cultural cooperation.

Sectoral Expansion

India continues to serve as a key partner in Cuba’s pharmaceutical ecosystem, while both sides actively explore collaboration across biotechnology, information technology, tourism, agriculture, energy, and mining. Capacity-building initiatives have expanded, with Cuban professionals participating in ITEC programmes and new cooperation emerging in healthcare, traditional medicine, and disaster response.

Academic, cultural, sports, and renewable energy exchanges further reinforced ties. Both nations expressed confidence that the partnership will gain further momentum in 2026, particularly under India’s forthcoming BRICS Chairship.

Humanitarian Commitment

In November 2025, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world as one family — India extended solidarity to Cuba following devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, dispatching nearly 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief material to Havana.

The consignment included a BHISHM medical trauma unit, essential medicines, power generators, tents, bedding, kitchen and hygiene kits, solar lanterns, and other critical supplies.

Acknowledging the gesture, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla wrote on social media: “We thank India for the donation of numerous supplies… Thank you, esteemed EAM S. Jaishankar, for this noble gesture from the Indian government.”