United Nations, 29 October (H.S.): India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the United States’ economic, commercial and financial sanctions against Cuba, reiterating its opposition to laws and regulations that adversely affect the sovereignty of other countries and impede the progress and prosperity of their people.

Addressing the General Assembly, Soumya Nair, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, said India reiterated its call for the withdrawal and invalidation of such laws and measures in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

She emphasised that India’s commitment to multilateralism was rooted in the principle that international challenges should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

India expressed hope that the sanctions imposed on Cuba would be lifted at the earliest, enabling the Cuban people to participate more fully in international cooperation and pursue their development aspirations.

Nair also highlighted the impact of the sanctions on Cuba’s healthcare system. According to her, the country was facing shortages of more than 60 per cent of essential medicines, while food production had declined by over 50 per cent during the past five years.

She further noted that recently tightened restrictions on fuel exports had affected essential services, including healthcare, education, water supply, food distribution and transportation.

The resolution was adopted by the General Assembly with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions.

The voting followed a heated exchange between representatives of the United States and Cuba during the General Assembly proceedings. The confrontation prompted General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman to briefly suspend the session to restore order.

Subsequently, US Ambassador Mike Waltz announced that a Cuban diplomat had been expelled. A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all delegations to respect the rules and decorum of the General Assembly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar