Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Debate on agenda Item 38: Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba

Statement by Mr. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor
10 July 2026

Mr. President, 

There is no doubt that the continued existence of the embargo, in contravention of the overwhelming opinion repeatedly expressed by the General Assembly, undermines multilateralism and the credibility of the United Nations itself. Year after year, the General Assembly has rejected the imposition of laws and regulations with extraterritorial effects, as well as other forms of coercive economic measures that adversely affect the progress and prosperity of peoples around the world. The Assembly has also called upon all States to refrain from promulgating and applying, and to repeal or invalidate, laws and measures with extraterritorial effects that affect the sovereignty of other States, in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

As the world's largest democracy, India regards multilateralism as an article of faith. We therefore join others in calling for an end to embargoes of this nature, which constrain the full enjoyment of economic and social development by the populations of affected countries, particularly women and children. Such measures also impede the realisation of human rights, including the rights to development, food, education and healthcare.

Successive reports of the Secretary-General have highlighted the adverse impact of the embargo on the developmental efforts of the Cuban people, including progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, world leaders urged all States to refrain from unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Despite these constraints, Cuba has continued to make important contributions in several sectors. Its expertise and efforts in healthcare enabled it to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic, not only domestically but also internationally through the deployment of healthcare professionals to countries in need. This deserves recognition.

People-to-people contacts hold immense potential for fostering greater understanding among nations. The people of Cuba have much to contribute to the international community. To enable this, the international community should intensify efforts to promote an environment free from sanctions and embargoes. India hopes that the embargo will be lifted at the earliest.

I thank you, Mr. President.