India and Cuba Sign MoU to Strengthen Legal and Cultural Cooperation

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India and Cuba Sign MoU to Strengthen Legal and Cultural Cooperation

India and Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Havana aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple domains.
The MoU includes:
- A Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which will enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities of both nations.
- A Protocol on Cultural Exchange and Cooperation, designed to promote stronger people-to-people ties through cultural collaboration.
The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Cuba’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerardo Penalver Portal.
Both leaders also reviewed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed avenues to expand engagement in fields of mutual interest.
The Cuban Acting Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India’s humanitarian support following the recent hurricanes that affected the Cuban archipelago.
Notably, India’s aid after Hurricane Melissa included 20 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and a mobile field hospital deployed in eastern Cuba to provide medical care.
This MoU reflects India’s broader commitment to South-South Cooperation, emphasizing solidarity, resilience, and shared growth among developing nations.

India–Cuba relations are rooted in historical solidarity and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) principles.
Diplomatic relations were established in 1959, and both countries have consistently supported each other in international forums.
Cuba has traditionally supported India’s candidature at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations.
The Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAT) enables countries to share information, evidence, and support in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.
Cuba’s capital is Havana, and its economy is driven by tourism, biotechnology, and healthcare services.

Updated – 12 Nov 2025 ; 01:06 PM | NewsOnAir