India's Ambassador to Cuba Hansraj Singh Verma has formally presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Cuba's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo in Havana, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Havana. The ceremonial step marks a key milestone in Verma's assumption of his diplomatic role in Cuba.

What the Embassy Said

The Indian Embassy in Cuba confirmed the development, stating that Verma 'reaffirmed India's enduring friendship, solidarity and support for Cuba and commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.' The ambassador also paid tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue upon his arrival in Havana, a symbolic gesture underscoring the historical people-to-people ties between the two nations. Prior to his posting in Cuba, Verma served as India's Consul General in São Paulo.

Building Diplomatic Contacts on the Ground

On 28 October, Verma met First Secretary Monzote Olazabal from Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the embassy, Olazabal has been nominated to participate in the second Special Course for Diplomats from Central and South America and Caribbean Islands (CSACI) at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service — a capacity-building initiative that reflects India's broader outreach to the Global South through diplomatic training.

Parliamentary Engagement and BRICS Forum

The ambassador's credential presentation comes against a backdrop of strengthening institutional engagement. On 25 October, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Ana Maria Mari Machado, Vice-President of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State, in New Delhi ahead of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026. Discussions covered parliamentary exchanges, capacity building, and cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

In an X post, Birla stated he was 'emphasising BRICS' role in advancing the priorities of the Global South' and reaffirmed that 'closer parliamentary engagement will further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between India and Cuba.'

Ministerial Momentum Since May

The diplomatic activity builds on engagement from earlier in the year. In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, where both sides reviewed cooperation in health, development initiatives, and capacity building. This pattern of multi-level contact — from EAM-level meetings to parliamentary forums and now a fresh ambassadorial credential — signals a deliberate and consistent effort to broaden the India-Cuba partnership well beyond its traditional political solidarity.

With the BRICS Parliamentary Forum on the horizon and new diplomatic representation now in place, the trajectory of India-Cuba ties appears set for a period of structured deepening across institutional, legislative, and people-centric channels.