July 2026 \ News \ INDIA-CUBA RELATIONS AT 66
“Opportunities Await Indian Business”

As India and Cuba celebrate 66 years of diplomatic relations, the relationship is entering a new phase. While political ties have remained consistently warm since the days of Jawaharlal Nehru and Fidel Castro, Cuba now wants to elevate economic cooperation to the same level. In an exclusive interview with India Empire’s Editor-in-Chief Sayantan Chakravarty, H.E. Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, Ambassador of Cuba to India, reflects on the historic bond between the two nations and outlines opportunities for Indian businesses in biotechnology, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism and advanced manufacturing.

By Sayantan Chakravarty
  • H.E. Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, Ambassador of Cuba to India, with India Empire’s Editor-in-Chief Sayantan Chakravarty

India and Cuba are celebrating 66 years of diplomatic relations. Looking back, what makes this relationship so special?

The relationship began even before formal diplomatic ties were established. Shortly after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro sent Che Guevara to Asia, and India became his first destination. He spent ten days here, met Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru three times, travelled beyond Delhi to Kolkata and interacted with farmers, industrialists and ordinary citizens. Those conversations laid the foundation for a friendship built on mutual respect, solidarity and a shared commitment to the Global South.

Fidel Castro also developed a close relationship with India’s leadership. How significant was that?

It was extremely significant. Fidel Castro and Prime Minister Nehru first met in New York in 1960 and spent several hours together discussing world affairs. Fidel later visited India in 1973 and again in 1983 for the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, when Cuba handed over the NAM Chairmanship to India. Those interactions established a relationship based not merely on diplomacy but on genuine trust between our leaders. That spirit continues today.

What are your principal priorities as Cuba’s Ambassador to India?

Politically, our relationship is already very strong. India has consistently supported Cuba on important international issues, and we deeply appreciate that. My priority is to ensure that our economic, commercial and technological cooperation reaches the same level as our political partnership. There are tremendous opportunities waiting to be explored by businesses in both countries.

Which sectors offer the greatest potential for Indian companies?

Biotechnology tops the list, followed by pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, tourism, mining and information technology. We are looking beyond traditional trade. We want joint ventures, co-production, technology transfer and long-term strategic partnerships. Cuba has developed world-class expertise in several niche sectors, while India has scale, manufacturing capability and innovation. Together we can achieve much more.




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