New Delhi: Seeking support from international community against the US blockade and hoping the same from India, Cuban envoy to India Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera says last year we got the support of 103 countries in the UNGA in favor of the resolution presented by Cuba. US and Israel voted against. ‘US is sending letters to other countries including Latin American nations to face sanctions if they vote in favor of Cuba’, he said.
Cuba is under sanctions by the US. The US first imposed sanctions on Cuba in 1958 with an arms embargo, but the comprehensive trade embargo began in February 1962. This was in response to Cuba nationalizing American-owned oil refineries in 1960 and was extended to include most exports in 1962.
In an interaction with journalists the Cuban envoy talked of how US has cut off Cuba from all economic activities and development by imposing heavy blockade on the country. Anyone who has visited Cuba is denied ESTA visa, an electronic system for applying visa, to enter the US. This has discouraged travelers visiting Cuba. Foreign investment is discouraged in Cuba under the blockade.
However Indians are exempt from this system for travelling to Cuba. He said last year out of a population of 1.4 billion people Cuba had only 20,000 Indian travelers. ‘More Indians travelling to Cuba has more possibilities of our economic recovery specially after Covid,’ he said.
On the effects of US tariffs on Cuba, he said, ‘we are the only country in the world without tariffs. Because we don’t have bilateral eco relations with US. These tariffs have imposed destruction in the world. This has made it difficult for us to trade food and oil to different countries because prices have gone up. Its difficult for us because the international supply chain is also facing difficulties. However this could be a benefit for both countries.’
Regarding trade in mutual currencies Aguilera said, ‘No one wants US pressure to impose their conditions on the world. BRICS is moving towards having a common currency & their own system of payment. We are also trying to have financial relations with different countries. With Russia we have started the facility of using Mir card similarly with China. We are open to doing this with India as well with UPI'.
Inviting India to enhance bilateral relations not only in trade but in tourism and other area like health and technology, Aguilera said, ‘We are offering to different Indian companies transfer of technology for combating cancer, diabetes, hepatitis B. Cuba has recognized Indian Pharma companies. We are asking India to share important platforms. India has important data solutions to prevent people from natural disasters. Cuba has the land which we are ready to offer to Indian companies who can invest in Cuba to produce in Cuba. We are open to more mutual bilateral relations with India in mining, energy particularly renewable energies.’
On the presence of Indians in hospitality sector in Cuba, the envoy informed that Indian company MGM Muthu have more than 12 hotels in Cuba with more than 2000 rooms. ‘There are Indian restaurants in Cuba. We want to promote Indian weddings in Cuba.’
In July, on the sidelines of BRICS summit President of Cuba and Indian PM Modi agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation including in bio technology, pharma, n political engagements at high level as also economic cooperation & relations to progress.
He said, US should return Cuban land of Guetamala to Cuba which they have occupied illegally and are using as prison.
