Thu Oct 23 21:15:15 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from the perspective of The Hindu:

The Hindu: Cuban Envoy in Delhi Seeks Indian Support Against US Blockade

New Delhi, October 24, 2025: As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) prepares to vote on a resolution condemning the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba, Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera addressed the press in New Delhi yesterday, urging India and other BRICS nations to bolster financial ties with the island nation.

Ambassador Aguilera described the blockade, particularly measures implemented under the Trump administration, as “the most painful” impediment to Cuba’s economic development. He highlighted the significant drop in tourism revenue due to the US policies, with annual visitor numbers plummeting from one million to a mere three hundred thousand. He stressed that without the restrictions, Cuba could expect to receive 1-2 million US tourists annually, injecting nearly $2 billion into the economy. The Cuban envoy also pointed out that US concerns over Cuban immigration stamps prevent US tourists from visiting the island nation.

“We expect India’s support for Cuba’s draft resolution against the US sanctions and blockade at the UNGA,” Ambassador Aguilera told reporters, emphasizing Cuba’s desire to end what he called “unfair trade practices” and the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States. He argued the U.S. has sponsored terrorist attacks targeting Cuba for decades.

He further indicated Cuba’s interest in strengthening financial integration with BRICS countries, including India. He referenced the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where discussions focused on increased cooperation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

In a move potentially boosting economic ties, Ambassador Aguilera revealed Cuba is considering adopting India’s UPI system. He suggested that such a move could attract more Indian investments and tourists to Cuba, offering a much-needed economic boost amidst the ongoing US blockade. The UNGA vote is scheduled for October 28-29.

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