India Backs UN Vote to End US Embargo on Cuba
India Calls for Removal of US Sanctions on Cuba
Addressing the General Assembly, Soumya Nair, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism, international law and diplomatic engagement.
Nair said the international community had repeatedly called for the removal of restrictions affecting Cuba’s economic development and participation in global cooperation.
India also opposed laws with extraterritorial implications, arguing that such measures could undermine the sovereignty and economic interests of other countries.
UN Vote Reveals Declining Support for Cuba Resolution
Although the resolution secured majority support, the number of countries backing it declined significantly compared with 2025.
Last year, 165 countries supported the resolution, seven opposed it and 12 abstained. This year, Germany and Italy were among the countries that abstained following diplomatic efforts by Washington.
The United States and Israel voted against the resolution. Washington maintains that its sanctions are intended to pressure Cuba’s communist government over political and human rights concerns.
Cuba Faces Economic Crisis Amid US Embargo
Cuba continues to experience severe economic difficulties, including shortages of fuel, medicines and essential commodities, alongside prolonged electricity disruptions.
The United States has maintained extensive economic restrictions against Cuba since the early 1960s.
The General Assembly has repeatedly called for their removal, although its resolutions are non-binding and cannot compel Washington to change its policies.
India maintained that lifting the embargo would support Cuba’s economic recovery and development aspirations.
