UNITED NATIONS, Oct 29: India has backed a United Nations General Assembly resolution urging the United States to lift its economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, stressing that ending the restrictions is essential to enabling the Caribbean nation to achieve its development goals.
The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the resolution on Wednesday, with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 opposing it and 25 abstaining.
Presenting India’s position, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Soumya Nair, noted that the international body has repeatedly called for the removal of the embargo. She also criticised laws and regulations with extraterritorial implications that undermine the sovereignty of other nations and hinder their economic progress.
Nair reiterated the Assembly’s appeal to all countries to avoid introducing or enforcing such measures and to repeal existing restrictions in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
She emphasised that India’s commitment to multilateralism is based on the principle that global challenges should be addressed through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international agreements.
India hopes the embargo will be lifted at the earliest, she said, adding that such a move would allow Cuba’s population to engage more actively in international cooperation and advance its legitimate development objectives.
Drawing attention to a report by the UN Secretary-General, Nair outlined the severe consequences of the restrictions on Cuba’s economy and public services.
She said the country’s healthcare system was facing shortages of more than 60 per cent of essential medicines, while food production had fallen by over 50 per cent during the past five years.
Restrictions on fuel supplies have further intensified Cuba’s energy crisis, disrupting critical services such as healthcare, education, drinking water, food distribution and transportation.
India’s vote reflects its continued support for multilateral diplomacy and its position that unilateral economic restrictions should not obstruct the development and welfare of another country’s population.