Cuban President Díaz-Canel and Indian Prime Minister Modi Review Bilateral Ties at BRICS Summit

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met today in Rio de Janeiro to review bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic development, financial technology, and strategic partnerships.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit, where both leaders explored opportunities to strengthen ties in capacity building, science and technology, disaster management, and healthcare, according to diplomatic sources from India.

President Díaz-Canel expressed strong interest in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), highlighting the South Asian country’s experience and leadership in digital innovation.

In turn, Prime Minister Modi thanked Cuba for recognizing Ayurveda and reaffirmed India’s support for integrating the traditional medical system into Cuba’s public healthcare framework.

Modi also proposed that Cuba be granted recognition by the Indian pharmacopoeia, a move that would facilitate access to generic medicines from India.

The two leaders agreed to collaborate on key issues affecting the Global South, including health, pandemics, and climate change. They also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in multilateral forums.

Modi had previously met with Díaz-Canel during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, where Cuba participated as a special invitee, Indian diplomatic sources noted.