Cuba Does Not Stop Despite U.S. Siege, Official Affirms in India

Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Carlos Jorge Méndez affirmed today here that Cuba continues its development despite the difficult circumstances imposed by the unprecedented U.S. siege.

The Cuban official made the statements at the opening of the United Economic BRICS Business Summit 2026, which featured speakers from Iran, Russia, Uganda, India, Ghana, and Nepal.

At the event, in which Ambassador Juan Marsán and other members of the Cuban delegation to the BRICS Summit also participated, Jorge Méndez further stated that the island maintains its commitment to multilateralism, solidarity, and friendship among peoples.

He denounced the difficult situation in his country due to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than 60 years, recently intensified with an unprecedented energy siege applied by Washington, violating all international human rights norms.

However, the deputy minister assured that the Cuban government, even under those difficult circumstances, continues working for the country's development and referred to new economic measures to promote investment and private sector participation, always for the benefit of the people.

On the other hand, he advocated for further strengthening international cooperation and considered it necessary to seek responses to achieve more relations and greater solidarity among countries in the face of current challenges.

Subsequently, the deputy minister participated in the session Cuba in the BRICS Era: Unlocking New Opportunities for Trade, Investment, and India-Cuba Economic Cooperation.

D.K. Giri, president of the Schumacher Centre, opened the meeting with an emotional speech about the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, and his role in establishing excellent relations between the two countries.

Giri also referred to the friendship between Fidel and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as well as Cuba's example of resistance at the international level.

In this regard, Cuba's deputy minister expressed his satisfaction with India's invitation to his country's delegation and proudly recalled that this year marks the centenary of the historic Cuban leader.

He highlighted Fidel Castro's greatness not only for the Caribbean nation but for the entire world and what he means for humanity.

He thanked the organizers for the session on Cuba, which drew a large audience, and described it as an excellent opportunity to share aspects about the island.

In an extensive intervention, the Cuban deputy minister again referred to Cuba's situation and detailed the economic measures recently established in the Caribbean nation, as well as incentives for those who choose to establish businesses in the country.

He also highlighted tourism, energy, agri-food, biotechnology, infrastructure, and transportation, among others, as priority sectors for investment.

Finally, he invited Indian businessmen to become involved in the Caribbean nation's development program.

He assured that Cuba sees India not only as an investor but also as a friend, noting that this is an opportunity for both nations to benefit from greater economic cooperation and for the South Asian country to be part of the great transformation the island is undergoing.