In a major step toward enhancing bilateral relations, India and Cuba have signed a series of landmark agreements in Havana, including a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and a Protocol on Cultural Exchange and Cooperation (2025–2030).

The agreements were inked during a meeting between Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Cuba’s Acting Foreign Minister Gerardo Peñalver Portal, underscoring a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation across legal, cultural, and social domains.

Terming the development a “milestone” in bilateral ties, Minister Margherita wrote on X:

“A milestone for India–Cuba relations! Witnessed the signing of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters and the India–Cuba Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2030).”

During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress in existing areas of collaboration and discussed new avenues to expand engagement in fields such as healthcare, education, science, technology, and culture.

According to the Cuban News Agency (ACN), Minister Portal highlighted the significance of continuing to strengthen political dialogue and expanding economic and trade relations with India. He emphasized Cuba’s interest in broadening the legal and institutional framework guiding bilateral cooperation.

Portal also expressed Cuba’s gratitude for India’s consistent support in times of crisis, especially following recent natural disasters. He noted India’s humanitarian assistance after Hurricane Melissa, which included 20 tonnes of relief material and a mobile field hospital deployed to eastern Cuba to aid affected communities.

On Tuesday, Margherita met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, where both leaders discussed deepening cooperation across priority sectors. In a social media post following the meeting, the Minister wrote, “Called on the President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and discussed matters of bilateral cooperation.”

The Minister of State also visited the Fidel Castro Centre in Havana, paying tribute to the Cuban revolutionary leader and reflecting on the historic ties between India and Cuba.

Margherita’s visit to Havana came after his stop in Bolivia, where he represented India at the inauguration ceremony of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira. The series of engagements marks India’s growing diplomatic outreach in Latin America, reflecting New Delhi’s strategic focus on fostering partnerships in the Global South.