India Supports UN Resolution to End US Embargo on Cuba
India's Vote at the UN General Assembly
Photo: @UN/X
United Nations, Oct 29: India has expressed its support for a resolution at the UN General Assembly that calls for the cessation of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba. This resolution emphasizes the need to lift these restrictions to assist Cuba in achieving its developmental goals.
The resolution was passed by the 193-member General Assembly on Wednesday, with 130 nations voting in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstaining.
During the session, India's Counsellor at the UN, Soumya Nair, stated that the General Assembly has consistently urged an end to the embargo and has rejected laws that have extraterritorial impacts, which undermine the sovereignty of other nations and hinder their progress.
"India reiterates the Assembly's call for all nations to avoid enacting and enforcing such laws, and to repeal any that conflict with their obligations under international law and the UN Charter," she remarked.
Nair emphasized India's dedication to multilateralism, asserting that global challenges are best resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.
"In this context, India hopes for the swift lifting of the embargo to foster an environment where the Cuban populace can engage more actively in international cooperation and pursue their rightful development goals," she added.
Highlighting a report from the UN Secretary-General, Nair pointed out the detrimental effects of the embargo on Cuba's economy and essential services.
She noted that Cuba's healthcare system is facing a shortage of over 60% of vital medications, and food production has plummeted by more than 50% over the last five years.
"The restrictions on fuel exports have worsened Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, disrupting essential services such as healthcare, education, water supply, food distribution, and transportation," Nair explained.
The longstanding conflict between the US and Cuba dates back to 1959 when Fidel Castro overthrew a US-supported government and aligned Cuba with the Soviet Union.
For over sixty years, the US has enforced a stringent trade embargo and sanctions against Cuba to pressure its communist government. Cuba attributes its economic struggles, including severe fuel shortages and widespread poverty, to these restrictions.
The resolution, titled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba," reflects the General Assembly's enduring opposition to US sanctions. However, it is important to note that such resolutions are not legally binding.
Tensions escalated in the UN General Assembly hall on Tuesday when US Ambassador Mike Waltz clashed with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla. As Waltz addressed the assembly regarding Cuba, Parrilla and other Cuban diplomats approached the podium, leading to a heated exchange.
Waltz, stepping aside from the lectern, gestured for Parrilla to retreat, stating, "Mr. President, this individual needs to back away from this podium. He is not going to intimidate me in the United States of America like he tries to intimidate political prisoners."
UNGA President Khalilur Rahman had to suspend the session due to the escalating confrontation.
Later, Waltz criticized the Cuban leadership for discussing the suffering of their people while allegedly enjoying luxurious lifestyles, stating, "At the height of hypocrisy, enjoying luxury watches, Rolexes, yachts, mansions, and even private islands, while the Cuban people starve and sit in the dark."
He further claimed that the Cuban diplomats' behavior violated the Host Country Agreement and indicated that one diplomat would be sent back to Havana. "If you lay a hand on an American diplomat in this body, there will be consequences," he warned.