Cuba–India: Expanding South-South Cooperation
Cuba is seeking to deepen its relationship with India as part of its wider engagement with the Global South, with Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera highlighting India’s growing influence in international affairs during his visit to Tripura on 21 August 2026. Cuban Ambassador visits Tripura, calls for deeper India-Cuba cooperation — 21 August 2026 (Assam Tribune) The ambassador emphasized the importance of closer India-Cuba relations and pointed to cooperation between the two countries in areas including technology, development and international affairs.
The visit also highlighted the historical foundations of Cuba-India solidarity, with the ambassador recalling the longstanding relationship between the two countries and their shared experience of colonialism and struggles for national independence. Cuba-India ties growing stronger — 20 August 2026 (Northeast Today – Home) He noted that India and Cuba have continued to support one another in international forums, while cooperation has expanded into areas such as digital infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and professional training. The relationship therefore extends beyond traditional diplomacy and reflects a broader effort to strengthen practical cooperation among developing countries.
The ambassador’s remarks also placed particular emphasis on South-South solidarity, pointing to India’s role in platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement and highlighting its cooperation with Cuba in development and international affairs. A report published on 20 August 2026 noted that more than 700 Cuban professionals have benefited from India’s ITEC scholarship programme, receiving training in areas including artificial intelligence, agriculture, biotechnology and other emerging technologies. Cuban Ambassador highlights India’s role in the Global South — 20 August 2026 (tripuratimes.com) This cooperation demonstrates how Cuba and India are using education, technology, health, renewable energy and scientific exchange to strengthen links between countries of the Global South.
