New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) Celebrating the 66th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this week, India and Cuba have reiterated their dedication to enhancing cooperation grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and solidarity.

Diplomatic relations were initiated in 1960, with India being one of the first Asian countries to acknowledge the Cuban Revolution. The relationship gained strength through early high-level visits, including those by Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, alongside interactions with India’s inaugural Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Last year, bilateral engagement saw notable progress, marked by a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel during the BRICS Summit in Brazil.

High-level visits included the trip of Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz to India, and India's Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita journeying to Cuba, leading to the signing of agreements aimed at enhancing legal and cultural cooperation.

India continues to be a vital partner in Cuba's pharmaceutical sector, with both nations exploring collaborations in biotechnology, IT, tourism, agriculture, energy, and mining. Collaboration has also broadened in capacity building, as Cuban professionals participate in ITEC programmes alongside emerging initiatives in healthcare, traditional medicine, and disaster response.

Furthermore, cooperation in academia, culture, sports, and renewable energy has further solidified bilateral relations throughout the year. Both nations are optimistic that their partnership will thrive in 2026, especially with India's upcoming BRICS Chairship anticipated to unveil new engagement opportunities.

In November, embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—India expressed solidarity with the Cuban people post the devastation from Hurricane Melissa, delivering about 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Havana.

This act reinforced the ties of friendship and humanitarian collaboration. The aid included a special Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri (BHISHM) medical trauma unit, essential medicines, electricity generators, tents, bedding, kitchen and hygiene kits, solar lanterns, and other critical recovery items.

Expressing gratitude, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla took to social media to extend his thanks, saying, “We appreciate India's generous donation of various supplies for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Heartfelt thanks to esteemed EAM S. Jaishankar for this noble act from the Indian government.”