Global South Applauds India’s Development Assistance Through UN Partnership Fund

Developing nations from across the Global South have praised India’s continued support for sustainable socio-economic development during the Ninth Annual India-UN Development Partnership Fund event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on 22 October in New York.

Representatives from Laos, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Saint Lucia, Cuba, Mozambique and several other countries participated in the event, highlighting the growing impact of the India-backed initiative across the developing world.

Tuvalu’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tapugao Falefou, underscored the tangible benefits of Indian-supported projects, particularly in education and infrastructure development at the community level.

“The Indian investment will certainly benefit hundreds of schools and institutions. The project demonstrates the value of development that is responsive to national priorities and local needs. Tuvalu remains deeply grateful to the Govt of India's development assistance,” Falefou said.

Saint Lucia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Menissa Rambally, described the Fund as a significant instrument for advancing economic and social development throughout the developing world. She said the initiative serves as a leading example of capacity building and support for countries seeking to address diverse developmental challenges.

“The purpose of the Fund is multifaceted. It facilitates economic and social development across countries of the Global majority. The critical importance of the Fund is a beacon of distinction in capacity building in the Global majority,” Rambally noted.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, she added, “The support provided by the India-UN Fund is instrumental as countries seek to meet the challenges in myriad areas of economic and social development.”

Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Togolani Edriss Mavura, expressed appreciation for India’s sustained commitment towards the country’s development agenda.

“Tanzania expresses its sincere appreciation to India and the India-UN Fund for their continued support for sustainable development in Tanzania,” Ambassador Mavura stated.

Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares, said the Fund has emerged as a strong example of solidarity among developing nations and has delivered meaningful opportunities through South-South cooperation.

“The India-UN Fund has become an important expression of solidarity among developing countries. For us, this approach is particularly meaningful as we benefited directly from this cooperation. Our experience with the Fund demonstrates how South-South Cooperation can translate shared commitments into meaningful opportunities for our people, particularly the younger generations,” Ambassador Soares remarked.

Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, emphasised the Fund’s growing relevance amid global economic and developmental disparities. He credited India’s leadership in strengthening cooperation among developing nations and amplifying the collective voice of the Global South.

“In an increasingly unjust international order, the India-UN Fund form of cooperation is more necessary than ever to overcome structural inequalities and expand opportunities to strengthen the collective voice of the Global South. India's leadership in the Global South demonstrates the power of partnerships built on equality, mutual respect and shared aspirations for sustainable development,” Ambassador Guzmán stated.

Mozambique’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Domingos Estêvão Fernandes, said the Fund represents a practical model of South-South cooperation rooted in national priorities, equality and non-interference, while also complementing traditional North-South development partnerships.

“The India-UN Fund offers a concrete example of south-south cooperation grounded in national priorities, equality and non-interference. It also compliments North-South cooperation. Mozambique commends India's leadership in advancing south-south cooperation and partnership,” Fernandes said.

Launched in 2017, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund is a $150 million initiative supported and led by the Government of India and implemented in partnership with the United Nations system.

The Fund finances demand-driven, transformational and nationally owned sustainable development projects across the developing world, with particular emphasis on least developed countries and small island developing states.

Projects are implemented by United Nations agencies in close coordination with partner governments, reinforcing India’s broader commitment to South-South cooperation, capacity building and inclusive development.

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Trump Now Warns Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Greenland & Iran After US Strikes On Venezuela

Donald Trump, issued stark warnings to Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Greenland, and Iran shortly after American forces conducted strikes and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on 3 January 2026.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on 4 January, Trump described the operations as a precise law enforcement mission tied to narcotics and arms charges against Maduro, who was swiftly transported to New York for trial.

He emphasised unmatched US military capability, declaring that "nobody can stop us" and hinting at potential further actions across the region.

The rhetoric began with Colombia, where Trump singled out President Gustavo Petro as a "sick man" allegedly overseeing cocaine production and trafficking into the United States. Without providing evidence, Trump warned that Petro "is not going to be doing it very long," and when pressed on whether this implied a US operation, he replied, "It sounds good to me". Petro fired back on X, accusing Trump of slander and urging Latin American unity against perceived US imperialism, likening the region to being treated as "servants and slaves".

Trump turned next to Cuba, predicting the imminent collapse of its communist regime now that Venezuela could no longer supply subsidised oil. He claimed, "Cuba is ready to fall," arguing that the island had lost its primary economic lifeline and that many Cubans died during the Caracas raid, rendering direct intervention unnecessary. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously highlighted Cuba's role, amplifying the administration's focus on Havana's influence in the hemisphere.

Mexico faced threats over drug cartels and border security, with Trump offering to deploy US troops while threatening swift tariffs on trade. He demanded that Mexico "get their act together," linking it to broader efforts to curb narcotics flows exacerbated by Venezuelan instability. This echoed longstanding US concerns but gained urgency post-Maduro, as Trump positioned American supremacy in the Western Hemisphere as non-negotiable.

Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory, re-emerged in Trump's crosshairs due to its strategic Arctic position amid Russian and Chinese naval presence. Reiterating his long-held desire for annexation, he stated, "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it," framing it as vital against adversarial incursions. This unusual inclusion stretched the warnings beyond Latin America, underscoring Trump's expansive geopolitical vision.

Iran drew separate ire amid ongoing protests over its economic woes, with Trump vowing severe retaliation if Tehran cracked down violently on demonstrators. "If they start killing people like they have in the past, they're going to get hit very hard by the United States," he cautioned, referencing prior "locked and loaded" rhetoric while claiming close monitoring. This linked hemispheric actions to Middle Eastern tensions, portraying US strikes on Venezuela as a demonstration of global resolve.

The Venezuela backdrop involved a daring US raid on 3 January, described by Washington as targeting Maduro's criminal enterprises rather than a regime-change bid. Trump warned interim leader Delcy Rodríguez of "severe consequences" for non-cooperation, leaving open the possibility of a "second strike" if Caracas failed to stabilise and allow free oil flows.

Critics decried the operation as a violation of international law, potentially aimed at Venezuela's vast oil reserves, though the administration rejected such claims.

International backlash mounted swiftly, with Latin American leaders questioning US motives and the European Union reportedly tacitly supportive of Maduro's removal for energy security reasons. Trump's comments signalled a confrontational posture, blending drug enforcement, energy dominance, and strategic denial into a broader doctrine of hemispheric control. As of 6 January 2026, no further military moves have materialised, but the rhetoric has heightened regional anxieties.

Based On ANI Report

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Cuba Mourns Loss of Its 32 Citizens Killed In Venezuela Operation As Trump Threatens Cuba

Cuba mourns the tragic loss of 32 citizens killed during a United States military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The incident, which unfolded in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, has sparked national grief in Havana and drawn sharp international reactions.

On Sunday local time, the Cuban government declared two days of national mourning on 5 and 6 January to honour the fallen. Officials stated that funeral arrangements would be revealed later, underscoring the profound impact on the nation.

According to Cuba's state-run news agency Prensa Latina, the deceased were military personnel deployed on official missions in Venezuela at the request of its government. They perished either in direct clashes with US forces or from air strikes on military facilities, having reportedly offered fierce resistance.

Cuba has long maintained close ties with Venezuela, dispatching military and police personnel to bolster the regime of Nicolas Maduro. This alliance has now come under intense strain following the dramatic US intervention.

US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Cuba on the same day, asserting that its government teeters on the brink of collapse. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he highlighted Cuba's heavy reliance on Venezuelan oil as a critical revenue source now severed by the operation.

"Cuba is ready to fall. Cuba looks like it's ready to fall," Trump declared. "They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They're not getting any of it now." His remarks extended warnings to Colombia, Mexico, and Denmark within hours.

Maduro, aged 63, and his wife Cilia Flores were swiftly transported to New York by US authorities post-capture. He faces drug-related charges in a US court appearance scheduled for Monday, charges he has consistently denied.

Graphic images of Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed, escorted by US forces, have proliferated across social media, shocking observers worldwide and particularly in Venezuela. The visuals symbolise a humiliating end to his long rule.

Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez vehemently denounced the arrest as a "kidnapping," demanding the immediate release of Maduro and Flores. Local media amplified his call amid rising domestic tensions.

The New York Times, citing a Venezuelan official, reported that the US operation may have claimed at least 40 lives in total. Washington characterised it as a "large-scale strike" targeting Maduro's inner circle.

US officials confirmed Maduro's capture and extraction during the raid, praising the mission's execution. In an earlier Fox News interview, Trump noted minimal US casualties—only a few injuries and no fatalities—lauding the armed forces' professionalism.

"It was amazing to see the professionalism and the quality of the leadership," Trump remarked. "To have a few injuries, but no deaths on our side, is really amazing."

India's left-wing parties, including the Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI(M), and others, condemned the US action as an illegal "kidnapping" of Maduro. They have called for nationwide protests, viewing it as a violation of sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump's tone, warning Cuban leaders directly. "I'd be concerned," he stated, implying potential repercussions for Havana's support of Maduro.

The operation disrupts longstanding Latin American alliances, with Cuba's economic lifeline—subsidised Venezuelan oil—now imperilled. Analysts predict this could accelerate Cuba's internal pressures amid existing shortages and sanctions.

Trump's broader admonitions to regional players signal a renewed hardline US policy towards leftist governments in the Americas. Colombia and Mexico face scrutiny over migration and security cooperation, while Denmark's inclusion remains puzzling.

As Maduro prepares for his court date, global attention fixes on the fallout. Venezuela grapples with leadership vacuum, Cuba with mourning and threats, and the US with justifying its bold incursion.

The death toll and diplomatic ripples underscore the high stakes of great-power interventions in fragile states. Observers await Havana's next moves and whether Trump's predictions of Cuban collapse materialise.

Based On ANI Report

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PM Modi Holds Talks With Malaysian, Cuban Counterparts On Sidelines of BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a series of significant diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2025. Among the key interactions was a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The discussions between the two leaders underscored the growing partnership between India and Malaysia, focusing on strengthening economic, strategic, and cultural ties. The presence of senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, highlighted the importance India attaches to its relationship with Malaysia and its broader engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to his meeting with the Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Modi also held talks with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. The cordial exchange between the two leaders reflected India’s commitment to deepening its relations with Latin American nations and fostering South-South cooperation.

These bilateral engagements on the margins of the BRICS Summit served as platforms for discussing mutual interests, regional developments, and avenues for collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, and sustainable development.

The 17th BRICS Summit itself was marked by the participation of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new member countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Brazil, as the host nation, assumed the BRICS Chairship at the start of 2025, setting the summit’s theme as “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

This theme resonated throughout the summit deliberations, with a focus on amplifying the voice of developing nations in global governance. India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, further reinforcing its leadership role within the group.

Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Modi delivered a forceful call for comprehensive reforms in global institutions. He highlighted the persistent marginalization of the Global South and the urgent need to address systemic inequalities and inefficiencies in international decision-making bodies.

Modi emphasized that the interests of the Global South—encompassing issues such as climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access—have historically been side-lined, often receiving only token support from established global institutions.

In his speech, Modi pointed out that two-thirds of humanity remain under-represented in institutions formed in the 20th century, despite their significant contributions to the contemporary global economy. 

He argued that this lack of representation undermines both the credibility and effectiveness of these bodies, likening them to “a mobile with a SIM card but no network.” According to Modi, such institutions are ill-equipped to address the complex challenges of the 21st century, including ongoing conflicts, pandemics, economic crises, and emerging threats in cyber and space domains.

The summit also featured the traditional BRICS family photo session, held at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro. The image captured Prime Minister Modi alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and other leaders and representatives from the BRICS member countries, symbolizing unity and collective resolve among the participating nations.

Prime Minister Modi’s engagements at the 17th BRICS Summit reflected India’s proactive diplomatic approach, its advocacy for the Global South, and its commitment to reforming global governance structures to ensure more inclusive and sustainable development for all.

Based On ANI Report

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Biden Administration To Remove Cuba From U.S. Terrorism List

The Biden administration has officially announced the removal of Cuba from the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision, made just days before President Biden leaves office, is part of an agreement facilitated by the Vatican aimed at securing the release of political prisoners in Cuba.

Cuba was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism on January 11, 2021, during the final days of the Trump administration. This designation was based on claims that Cuba supported international terrorism by harboring individuals linked to terrorist activities, particularly in relation to Colombia and Venezuela.

The Biden administration determined that there is "no credible evidence" supporting Cuba's current classification as a state sponsor of terrorism. The decision aligns with ongoing efforts to improve human rights conditions in Cuba and to facilitate the release of political prisoners, with reports indicating that over 1,000 individuals may qualify as political prisoners.

The removal from the terror list is expected to ease some economic restrictions on Cuba, potentially improving its struggling economy. It may also lead to the release of a significant number of prisoners detained during protests against the Cuban government in 2021. However, this action is likely to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to take a tougher stance on Cuba.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. While some view it as a step towards improving U.S.-Cuba relations, others—particularly Republican lawmakers—have criticized it, arguing that it undermines efforts to hold the Cuban regime accountable for its actions.

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India Sends Humanitarian Assistance To Cuba Following Hurricane Rafael

India has dispatched humanitarian assistance to Cuba in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael, which struck the country in November 2024.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that a consignment containing essential medicines, including antibiotics and painkillers, was sent to support recovery efforts in the affected regions.

Hurricane Rafael significantly impacted western Cuba, particularly in provinces such as Artemisa and Mayabeque, leaving approximately 800,000 people affected and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and health facilities.

The Indian government’s aid underscores its commitment to international solidarity and reinforces its reputation as a key player in global humanitarian efforts.

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EAM Jaishankar Meets Cuban Counterpart On The Sidelines of The UN General Assembly Session

New York: External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Wednesday met Bruno Rodriguez, the Foreign Minister of Cuba on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.

Jaishankar and Rodriguez met at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York and discussed their cooperation in health and food security.

In a post on X, he said, "Pleased to meet FM Bruno Rodriguez of Cuba in New York today. Discussed our cooperation in health and food security, as well as in training and capacity development."

Jaishankar also met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the sidelines of UNGA 79.

The two Carried forward their conversations on strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Good meeting with UK FS David Lammy on the sidelines of UNGA 79. Carried forward our conversations on strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Also discussed the conflict in Ukraine."

Jaishankar, who addressed the second G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Brazil's G20 Presidency, met some of his counterparts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.

"Nice to see Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis of Switzerland at UNGA 79," he said.

Jaishankar met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "An early morning interaction with RoK FM Cho Tae-yul on the sidelines of UNGA 79."

EAM Jaishankar met his Slovakian counterpart Juraj Blanar.

Jaishankar also interacted with the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed.

"Always nice to meet UN DSG Amina J Mohammed," he said.

Jaishankar also met Deputy General of World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The External Affairs Minister met Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at the UNGA 79.

Jaishankar met Ahmed Fiqi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia.

"Glad to meet FM Ahmed Fiqi of Somalia at UNGA 79 sidelines. Congratulated him on Somalia entering the UNSC as non-permanent member for 2025-26. Discussed enhancing our cooperation in health, education, training and capacity building."

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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U.S. And Canada Scramble Naval Warships As Russian Navy Docks In Havana

This convergence follows the arrival of Russian naval vessels, including the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, earlier in the week

Havana harbour became a focal point of international naval activity this week. Early on Friday, the Canadian navy’s patrol ship, HMCS Margaret Brooke, arrived in the harbour, shortly after the U.S. fast-attack submarine USS Helena had docked at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. This convergence follows the arrival of Russian naval vessels, including the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, earlier in the week.

The unusual gathering of Russian, Canadian, and American naval ships in close proximity has sparked concerns about the resurgence of geopolitical tensions akin to those seen during the Cold War. Despite this, officials from both the United States and Cuba have downplayed any threat posed by the Russian warships. The Russian government has characterized their naval presence in Cuba as part of a routine visit to an allied nation.

Prior to their arrival in Havana on Wednesday, the Russian defence ministry reported that the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan submarine had conducted precision missile training exercises in the Atlantic Ocean. The strategic manoeuvres highlight Russia’s ongoing military readiness and its strategic alliances in the region.

In contrast, the Canadian Joint Operations Command described the HMCS Margaret Brooke’s presence in Havana as a symbol of the enduring bilateral relationship between Canada and Cuba. The port visit underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering peaceful and cooperative international relations, even amidst a backdrop of heightened naval activity.

Cuba’s response to the U.S. submarine’s arrival was less welcoming. The Cuban Foreign Ministry expressed displeasure, emphasizing that naval visits typically result from an invitation, which was not extended in this case. Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío voiced his concerns, stating, “Naval visits to a country are usually the result of an invitation, and this was not the case. Obviously we do not like the presence in our territory of a submarine belonging to a power that maintains an official and practical policy that is hostile against Cuba.”

(With Inputs From International Agencies)

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Nuclear-Powered Russian Submarine Arrives In Cuba

During the Cold War, Cuba was an important client state for the Soviet Union

Havana: A Russian nuclear-powered submarine and other naval vessels arrived in Cuba Wednesday for a five-day visit to the communist island off Florida's coast in a show of force amid spiralling US-Russian tensions.

The submarine Kazan, which Cuba says is not carrying nuclear weapons, was accompanied by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, as well as an oil tanker and a salvage tug.

The Kazan and Admiral Gorshkov, which is one of Russia's most modern warships, could be seen just off Havana, which is about 90 miles (145 km) from the tip of Florida.

The tanker Pashin and the tug, flying the white, blue and red tricolor of Russia, entered the harbor early Wednesday morning, an AFP reporter said.

The Cuban government announced that Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez was meeting his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday, as the two former Cold War allies further tighten their links.

The unusual deployment of the Russian military so close to the United States -- particularly the powerful submarine -- comes amid major tensions over the war in Ukraine, where the Western-backed government is fighting a Russian invasion.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel met with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin last month for the annual May 9 military parade on Red Square outside the Kremlin.

During the Cold War, Cuba was an important client state for the Soviet Union. The deployment of Soviet nuclear missile sites on the island triggered the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when Washington and Moscow came close to war.

Relations between Russia and Cuba have become closer since a 2022 meeting between Diaz-Canel and Putin.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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India Extends Humanitarian Assistance To Cuba, Including 90 Tons of Nine 'Made In India' Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

New Delhi: India has extended humanitarian assistance to Cuba, which includes a consignment of approximately 90 tons of nine Made in India Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients ( APIs), the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release on Sunday.

The consignment left Gujarat's Mundra Port on Sunday.

Highlighting the benefits of these APIs, the MEA in its release said, "These APIs will be used by the Cuban Drug Manufacturers to produce essential antibiotics in the dosage form of tablets, capsules, syrups and injections, needed for treatment of chronic communicable diseases."

Meanwhile, the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X wrote, "India sends humanitarian assistance to Cuba. A consignment of 90 tons of nine 'Made in India' APIs left Mundra port for Cuba today. The APIs will support manufacture of essential medicines."

MEA, in a release, said the assistance provided to Cuba reaffirms India's status as the Pharmacy of the World.

"The assistance reaffirms India's status as the "Pharmacy of the World" and underlines our commitment to historic friendship with Cuba," it added.

It also underlines India's commitment to historic friendship with Cuba.

India-Cuba relations have been traditionally warm and friendly. India was among the first countries to extend recognition to Cuba after the 1959 Revolution, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.

Cuba shares India's views on democratizing UN and expansion of the UN

Security Council. It also holds the reform of the UN Security Council as central to the overall reform process, the MEA stated.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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T Armstrong Changsan Appointed As India's Next Envoy To Cuba: MEA

New Delhi: T. Armstrong Changsan has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cuba, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of batch 1997, Changsan is currently a Joint Secretary in the MEA.

"Shri T. Armstrong Changsan (IFS: 1997), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Cuba," the MEA said in an official press release.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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India To Collaborate For Smooth Adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure In Cuba

S Krishnan (R), Secretary of Ministry of IT, and Cuban Minister Wilfredo Gonzalez Vidal

New Delhi: India and Cuba signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at the population scale for digital transformation.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba in the national capital on Friday, according to a press release by the former ministry.

"India will collaborate with Cuba by building upon development partnership on digital transformation leading to a smooth adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure in Cuba," the Ministry stated.

The signatories were S Krishnan, Secretary of Ministry of Electronics and IT, from the Indian side and Wilfredo Gonzalez Vidal, First Deputy Minister of Communications, from Cuba.

The MoU intends to promote digital transformation (viz. INDIA STACK) through capacity building programmes, the exchange of best practices and other collaborative activities to mutually benefit the digital ecosystems of both countries, the ministry added.

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'We Respect India Very Deeply', Says Cuban Envoy

New Delhi: Cuban envoy to India, Alejandro Simancas Marin said that Havana has deep respect for the Indian history, culture and historical context and also for the will of the people and the government.

He also recalled the historic visit of former President Fidel Castro to India, 50 years ago on the date, and stated that Castro had laid the foundation of India-Cuba friendship.

Speaking to ANI, Marin said, “We respect India very deeply and we respect the Indian history, the culture and the historical context in which India has developed and the will of the Indian people and the Indian government in order to continue finding the best way for the economic, political and social development of the country”.

He further said that Fidel Castro made a huge contribution to developing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

“This is a very historic moment because Fidel Castro had a huge contribution to the bilateral relationship…established the basis of relationship, cooperation, dialogue, respect, and solidarity that we enjoy today. No matter, it happened 50 years ago. The same values, principles, position, procedure that we cheer, we continue cheering today,” he said.

Meanwhile, a program was organised on Wednesday to celebrate 50 years of the visit of former Cuban President Fidel Castro to India.

The program was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakashi Lekhi. She also delivered the keynote address on ‘India-Cuba Relations: Present Trajectory and Way Forward’

“This program was arranged today to celebrate 50 years of Fidel Castro's visit to India and the occasion was handing over the presidency of the Non-Aligned movement to India,” she told reporters.

India-Cuba relations have been traditionally warm and friendly. India was among the first countries to extend recognition to Cuba after the 1959 Revolution, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.

Cuba shares India's views on democratizing UN and expansion of the UN

Security Council. It also holds the reform of the UN Security Council as central to the

overall reform process, the MEA stated.

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US Confirms China Has Had A Spy Base In Cuba Since At Least 2019

China has been operating a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019, part of a global effort by Beijing to upgrade its intelligence-gathering capabilities, according to a Biden administration official. The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the US intelligence community has been aware of China's spying from Cuba and a larger effort to set up intelligence-gathering operations around the globe for some time.

The Biden administration has stepped up efforts to thwart the Chinese push to expand its spying operations and believes it has made some progress through diplomacy and other unspecified action, according to the official, who was familiar with US intelligence on the matter.

The existence of the Chinese spy base was confirmed after The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that China and Cuba had reached an agreement in principle to build an electronic eavesdropping station on the island.

The Journal reported China planned to pay a cash-strapped Cuba billions of dollars as part of the negotiations.

The White House called the report inaccurate.

"I've seen that press report, it's not accurate," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in an MSNBC interview Thursday.

"What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China's influence activities around the world; certainly in this hemisphere and in this region, we're watching this very, very closely."

The US intelligence community had determined Chinese spying from Cuba has been an "ongoing" matter and is "not a new development," the administration official said.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio also refuted the report in a Twitter post Saturday.

"The slanderous speculation continues, evidently promoted by certain media to cause harm and alarm without observing minimum patterns of communication and without providing data or evidence to support what they disseminate," he wrote.

President Joe Biden's national security team was briefed by the intelligence community soon after he took office in January 2021 about a number of sensitive.

Chinese efforts around the globe where Beijing was weighing expanding logistics, basing and collection infrastructure as part of the People's Liberation Army's attempt to further its influence, the official said.

Chinese officials looked at sites spanning the Atlantic Ocean, Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and the Indo-Pacific. The effort included looking at existing collection facilities in Cuba, and China conducted an upgrade of its spying operation on the island in 2019, the official said.

Tensions between the US and China have been fraught throughout Biden's term.

The relationship may have hit a nadir last year after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to democratically governed Taiwan.

That visit, the first by a sitting House speaker since Newt Gingrich in 1997, led China, which claims the island as its territory, to launch military exercises around Taiwan.

U.S.-China relations became further strained early this year after the US shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had crossed the United States.

Beijing also was angered by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's stopover in the US last month that included an encounter with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

The speaker hosted the Taiwanese leader at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in southern California.

Still, the White House has been eager to resume high-level communications between the two sides.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to travel to China next week, a trip that was cancelled as the balloon was flying over the US Blinken expects to be in Beijing on June 18 for meetings with senior Chinese officials, according to US officials, who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because neither the State Department nor the Chinese foreign ministry has yet confirmed the trip.

CIA Director William Burns met in Beijing with his counterpart last month.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with his Chinese counterpart in Vienna over two days in May and made clear that the administration wanted to improve high-level communications with the Chinese side.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin recently spoke briefly with Li Shangfu, China's minister of national defence, at the opening dinner of a security forum in Singapore. China had earlier rejected Austin's request for a meeting on the sidelines of the forum.

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Chinese Spy Base Operating In Cuba For Years: US Official

Washington: A Chinese spy base in Cuba that could intercept electronic signals from nearby US military and commercial buildings has been operating since or before 2019 when the Chinese base was upgraded, The News York Times reported citing a Biden administration official.

The official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence said that the spy base was an issue that the Biden administration had inherited from former US President Donald Trump, The New York Times reported. After Biden assumed office as US President, his administration was given details regarding the base and plans which China was considering to set up similar facilities around the world, according to official.

The official said that the Biden administration has been making efforts to counter China's efforts to gain a foothold in the region and elsewhere and adding that they are doing it mainly by engaging diplomatically with nations that Beijing was pursuing as potential hosts for such bases. According to the official, the administration had slowed China's plans. However, they did not provide details regarding the matter.

In a joint statement on Thursday, US Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the panel's top Republican, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said they were "deeply disturbed" by reports that Cuba and China are working together to target the US and its people, according to The New York Times.

Earlier this week, the US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby refuted the reports calling them "not accurate." He said that they have had "real concerns" regarding China's ties with Cuba and "we have been concerned since Day 1 of the administration about China's activities in our hemisphere and around the world," as per The New York Times report.

Some of the Biden administration's critics have raised questions over the motives of the administration's response. US Representative Mike Gallagher said, "Why did the Biden administration previously deny these reports of a CCP. spy base in Cuba? Why did they downplay the 'silly' CCP spy balloon?"

Meanwhile, Pentagon dismissed reports of a secret pact between China and Cuba that would enable Beijing to construct an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island, located 160 kilometers from the United States and called it "not accurate.", Voice of America (VOA) reported.

"I can tell you, based on the information that we have, that that is not accurate - that we are not aware of China and Cuba developing any type of spy station," Brigadier General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary, told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday.

According to the reports, which first appeared in The Wall Street Journal citing unnamed intelligence officials, China had agreed to pay financially hard-pressed Cuba several billion dollars for the spy facility, which would allow China to collect electronic communications from throughout the southeastern United States, where numerous military bases are located, VOA News reported.

Ryder added that the Pentagon was not aware of China setting up any type of military base in Cuba or elsewhere in the region. However, he cautioned that the relationship between Cuba and China is something that the Pentagon monitors, along with any type of "coercive activity or belligerent activity" by China in the Western Hemisphere.

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Cuba Allows China To Build Spying Facility On Island: US Intelligence

Washington: Cuba has agreed to allow China to construct a surveillance facility on the island that could allow the Chinese to eavesdrop on electronic communications across the south-eastern US, two sources familiar with the intelligence told CNN.

The US learned about the plan in the last several weeks, the first source said, and it is unclear whether China has already begun building the surveillance facility, CNN reported.

The second source familiar with the intelligence says it suggests that a deal has been struck in principle but there hasn't been any movement on building the facility.

But Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio has denied the reports.

It would not be the first time China has attempted to spy on US electronic communications, known as signals intelligence. A suspected Chinese spy balloon that transited the US in February was capable of gathering signals intelligence and is believed to have transmitted back to Beijing in near-real time, CNN reported citing sources.

In that case, the US took steps to protect sensitive sites and censor intelligence signals before shooting down the balloon. But it is unclear what the US can do to stop the construction of a Chinese spying facility in Cuba.

But National Security Council spokesman John Kirby denies the report saying "This report is not accurate".

"We have had real concerns about China's relationship with Cuba, and we have been concerned since day one of the Administration about China's activities in our hemisphere and around the world. We are closely monitoring it and taking steps to counter it. We remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home and in the region," Kirby added.

CNN reported that Kirby initially told the Wall Street Journal on Thursday morning that he "cannot speak to this specific report," but that US officials are "well aware of--and have spoken many times to the People's Republic of China's efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere."

At a press conference in Havana on Thursday, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio called them "totally untrue" and "slanders."

"Slanders like these have been fabricated frequently by US officials," he said, alleging that the reported spy base was being used to legitimize US sanctions on Cuba.

"Fallacies promoted with the malicious intention to justify the unprecedented reinforcement of the economic blockade, destabilization and the aggression against Cuba and deceive public opinion in the United States and around the world," de Cossio added.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, a Democrat, and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio, a Republican, released a statement expressing concern about the reports.

The first source familiar with the intelligence noted that while an eavesdropping base on Cuba would be concerning, China has already established footholds inside the US, namely, secret police stations that the Biden administration has begun to crack down on, CNN reported citing sources.

The US also conducts spying missions near China, using reconnaissance aircraft that routinely engage in electronic eavesdropping. One of those US planes was recently intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet, in what the US described as a dangerous and unprofessional maneuver, CNN reported.

But the revelation about the potential Chinese outpost in Cuba comes as US-China relations have reached a low point, following the spy balloon incident and several aggressive maneuvers by Chinese aircraft and ships against US assets in the South China Sea.

The US has been trying to mend the relationship and dispatched CIA Director Bill Burns to Beijing last month for talks with Chinese officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also expected to visit China in the coming weeks.

But last week, China's defence chief refused a meeting request by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and warned the US to stop operating near Chinese waters and airspace.

"The best way to prevent this from happening is that military vessels and aircraft not come close to our waters and airspace," Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu said in Singapore last week, referring to recent close calls between Chinese and US planes and ships. "Watch out for your own territorial waters and airspace, then there will not be any problems."

The Biden administration has done little to try to improve relations with Cuba and has only resumed limited bilateral conversations on matters like migration. Following rapprochement efforts under the Obama administration, relations plummeted due to the so-called "Havana Syndrome" illness that impacted US diplomats posted in the Cuban capital and the Trump administration's decision - during the final days of that administration - to re-list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

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India Announces Donation of 12,500 Doses of Pentavalent Vaccines To Cuba

New Delhi: India has announced a donation of 12,500 doses of pentavalent vaccines to Cuba. The decision was announced during Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi's visit to Cuba from January 12-14.

During her visit, Meenakashi Lekhi held a meeting with Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel and discussed matters of bilateral importance and political and economic cooperation, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from 5 life-threatening diseases -

Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib.

Meenakashi Lekhi tweeted, "Glad to call on H.E. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, President of Cuba today and discuss with him the entire gamut of cooperation between our two friendly countries."

MoS for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi was received by Cuban National Assembly Speaker Lazo Hernandez. The interaction between the two leaders included the development of indigenous vaccines against COVID and women empowerment.

"Pleased to meet H.E. Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power and discuss with him means of strengthening cooperation between parliaments of the two countries. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @CubaMINREX," Lekhi wrote in a tweet.

Lekhi apprised Hernandez about policies of Indian government and stressed on the need to further bolster cooperation between the parliaments of India and Cuba, according to the statement released by MEA.

Esteban Lazo Hernandez appreciated India for its support for Cuba at the United Nations, assistance projects and LOC and in training Cuban nationals under ITEC and others subjects.

Meenakashi Lekhi also held a meeting with Cuba's Acting Minister of External Relations of Cuba Gerardo Penalver Portal. The two sides discussed issues of common interest and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in development assistance programmes, trade and investment, energy, disaster management, culture, health and pharma, AYUSH, and biotechnology.

Furthermore, Meenakashi Lekhi and Gerardo Penalver Portal held detailed discussions on LiFE, CDRI, International Year of Millets 2023, sustainability and climate change, according to the MEA statement.

Lekhi also held a meeting with Cuba's Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso Grau and agreed on further strengthening ties in culture with increased exchanges and cooperation, including cinema.

During her visit, Lekhi visited Fidel Castro Centre in Havana and the 'panchakarma centre' in International Health Centre (La Pradera) that was set up in association with AYUSH Ministry.

She also held interactions with the La Pradera Director and practitioners of Ayurveda. She also paid floral tributes to Jose Marti at his monument in Havana. Furthermore, Lekhi paid floral tribute at Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Havana.

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MoS Meenakashi Lekhi Concludes Her Two-Day Visit To Cuba

New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi has concluded her two-day fruitful visit to Cuba and highlighted the willingness of both countries to continue strengthening bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation, on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations on January 12.

The visit had its central moment with the meeting with the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, who welcomed her and said, "We consider your visit as a sign of the will and willingness of the Government of India to continue strengthening and expanding relations with Cuba, which is also our will and our desire".

During the fraternal dialogue, the President thanked MoS Lekhi for the first shipment of rice, which is yet to come to Havana, and it was acquired with a line of credit granted by the government of that country.

Likewise, he highlighted the presence of that nation in the National Economic and Social Development Plan that Cuba has drawn up until 2030, as part of which, India participates in critical programs in the food, pharmaceutical industry and renewable energy sources.

"I ratify our willingness to continue expanding and strengthening our political, diplomatic, economic, trade and cooperation ties, and we would be interested in opening up other areas for cooperation, particularly biotechnology and environmental issues," the Cuban leader stressed.

After expressing his gratitude for the "support that the Government and people of India have always given us in Cuba's struggle against the blockade", President Diaz-Canel shared with Lekhi the interest of Cuba in counting on India's support to promote, from the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Group of 77+China, the discussion of a group of global problems and challenges currently faced by the nations of the world.

The Minister of State conveyed her country's willingness to continue strengthening the existing ties while referring to various areas where these ties can be expanded, as they are issues of common interest.

Previously, the Union minister was received by the President of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo; by the Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Penalver; and by the Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso.

After meeting Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs, MoS Lekhi said, "Had excellent meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Acting @CubaMINREX Gerardo Penalver Portal and reviewed the full range of relations between India and Cuba. Discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest."

She also paid floral tributes to the monuments in Havana dedicated to Cuba's National Hero, Jose Marti, and to the leader of Indian independence, Mahatma Gandhi.

Finally, she concluded his visit with a meeting at the Panchakarma Centre of Havana, which promotes and offers Ayurvedic medicine services.

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US Wary of China's Expanding Footprints In Latin America

Beijing: US policymakers and military officials have raised concerns about China's growing presence in Latin America while Washington shifted its focus toward the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, a think tank Council on Foreign Relations said.

Over the past two decades, China has developed close economic and security ties with many Latin American countries, including Brazil and Venezuela. But Beijing's growing sway in the region has raised concerns in Washington and beyond.

China is South America's top trading partner and a major source of both foreign direct investment and lending in energy and infrastructure, including through its Belt and Road Initiative. It has invested heavily in Latin America's space sector and has strengthened its military ties with several countries, particularly Venezuela.

Washington is wary of all these developments, and critics say Beijing is leveraging its economic might to further its strategic goals. "We are losing our positional advantage in this Hemisphere and immediate action is needed to reverse this trend," argued Admiral Craig S. Faller, the former head of U.S. Southern Command, in 2021.

China's role in Latin America has grown rapidly since 2000, promising economic opportunity even while raising concerns over Beijing's influence. China's state firms are major investors in the region's energy, infrastructure, and space industries, and the country has surpassed the United States as South America's largest trading partner, as per the think tank.

Beijing has also expanded its diplomatic, cultural, and military presence. Most recently, it has leveraged its support in the fight against COVID-19, supplying the region with medical equipment, loans, and hundreds of millions of vaccine doses.

But the United States and its allies fear that Beijing is using these relationships to pursue its geopolitical goals, including the further isolation of Taiwan, and to bolster authoritarian regimes. U.S. President Joe Biden, who sees China as a "strategic competitor" in the region, is seeking ways to counter its growing sway.

In 2000, the Chinese market accounted for less than 2 per cent of Latin America's exports, but China's rapid growth and resulting demand drove the region's subsequent commodities boom. Over the next eight years, trade grew at an average annual rate of 31 per cent, reaching a value of USD 180 billion in 2010.

By 2021, trade totalled USD 450 billion, and economists predict that it could exceed USD 700 billion by 2035. China is currently South America's top trading partner and the second-largest for Latin America as a whole, after the United States.

Latin American exports to China are mainly soybeans, copper, petroleum, oil, and other raw materials that the country needs to drive its industrial development. In return, the region mostly imports higher-value-added manufactured products, a trade some experts say has undercut local industries with cheaper Chinese goods. Beijing has free trade agreements in place with Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru, and 20 Latin American countries have so far signed on to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Talks on a free trade agreement with Ecuador began in February 2022.

China's focus on soft power--including strengthening cultural and educational ties--has helped Beijing build political goodwill with local governments and present itself as a viable alternative partner to the United States and European states.

Venezuela became the region's top purchaser of Chinese military hardware after the U.S. government prohibited all commercial arms sales to the country beginning in 2006. Between 2009 and 2019, Beijing reportedly sold more than USD 615 million worth of weapons to Venezuela.

Bolivia and Ecuador have also purchased millions of dollars worth of Chinese military aircraft, ground vehicles, air defence radars, and assault rifles. Cuba has sought to strengthen military ties with China, hosting the Chinese People's Liberation Army for several port visits.

Despite U.S. warnings against using Huawei equipment, which policymakers say leaves countries vulnerable to Chinese cyber threats, Argentina and Brazil, among others, depend on it for their cellular networks.

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Jaishankar Interacts With Latin American, Caribbean Countries Envoys Ahead of Visit To Region

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met with the Ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean countries in New Delhi ahead of his visit to the region.

Jaishankar expressed gratitude to host the Ambassadors of LAC countries and was positive about the potential for growing cooperation between India and the South American and Caribbean countries.

He thanked the Ambassadors for their perspectives and insights into strengthening mutual relations and cooperation.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Pleasure to host Ambassadors in New Delhi from the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean countries- Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname and Uruguay."

"So much potential for growing our cooperation. Encourage their efforts to realizing it fully. Thanked them for their perspectives and insights as I head to the region tonight," he added.

According to media reports, Jaishankar will travel to three key countries in South America - Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay with an aim to address the issues of food and energy security, oil marketing and the extension of the Fixed Preference Agreement between India and MERCOSUR.

Jaishankar will inaugurate India's new embassy in the capital city of Paraguay, Asuncion likely on August 22, a media report said.

Notably, diplomatic relations between India and Caribbean countries have been warm and cordial. India and Paraguay established relations in 1961, and since then the two countries share cordial and friendly relations.

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