In a meeting on 17 March 2025 between Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba, H.E. Dr. Eduardo Martínez Díaz and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, discussions revolved around further expanding the science and technology cooperation between the two countries, particularly in biotechnology and bio-manufacturing. The meeting was held to commemorate the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between India and Cuba which has been marked by several visits of heads of state/government, ministerial visits and high-level meetings between delegations of both countries.
India and Cuba recently commemorated the 65th anniversary of the bilateral relationship. The occasion was marked by the signing of several MoUs pertaining to trade, education, cultural cooperation, development partnership. Building on previous and existing agreements, India and Cuba S&T cooperation in healthcare innovation, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence hold potential for inclusive development of AI and its governance and strengthening healthcare capacity. Given both countries' interests in alternative sources of energy and disaster resilience, there is ample scope of working closely on these especially through the Global Biofuel Alliance and Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Additionally, several MoUs were signed between the two countries which focus on bilateral trade, sports, cultural exchange, education, etc. Development partnership is another pillar of India-Cuba bilateral relation, including the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes. Science and technology, renewable energy, biotechnology and health are significant areas of cooperation between the two countries, including traditional medicine homeopathy. Last year, cooperation in the field of sharing digital solutions and medical products regulations was signed between India and Cuba. Both countries are committed to climate change and environmental concerns, as a result energy cooperation is an important pillar of their cooperation. Further, Cuba is a full and founding member of the International Solar Alliance, which reiterates its commitment to renewable sources of energy. India’s vision of Green Growth and net-zero carbon economy as well as National Policy on Biofuels aligns with India’s commitment towards sustainable development. Given both countries' interests in alternative sources of energy and disaster resilience, there is ample scope of working closely on these especially through the Global Biofuel Alliance and Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
India’s biotechnology sector has seen rapid progress and the bioeconomy is expected to grow to USD 200 billion by 2030. The Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) Policy aims to advance biomanufacturing facilities, bio-foundry clusters and bio-AI hubs. New scheme of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry was announced during the Union Budget 2025. The National Biopharma Mission (NBM)-Innovate in India (i3) aims to boost India’s capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosimilars, medical devices, and diagnostics by fostering collaboration between industry and academia. India has also made progress in affordable healthcare, innovation and the pharmaceutical industry. Cuba’s universal healthcare system, advances in vaccine development and biotechnology provide great scope for cooperation between both countries. India and Cuba have several shared interests in healthcare and biotechnology. Senior officials from both countries participated in the recent discussion and expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation in these areas.
India and Cuba have been exploring cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), recognizing the transformative role of AI in healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology and renewable energy, capacity building as well as underlining collaboration for inclusive AI governance. Cuba participated at the India-AI Global Summit held in New Delhi last year, and reiterated the need for an inclusive development of AI. In February 2025, the first bilateral course on Artificial Intelligence, within the framework of ITEC was held at the Center for Development and Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in New Delhi. It was noted that the course would help in building capacity of Cuban technicians in emerging technologies. Cuba’s interest in holding other courses in areas such as robotics, renewable energies, health and Ayurveda was also underlined.
Since January 2023, India has convened three editions of Voice of the Global South Summit which brings together developing countries to deliberate on priorities and concerns and exchange ideas and solutions from a Global South perspective. At VoGSS Cuba has raised issues of higher education and social and economic development in the Global South, and the need to defend its interests in multilateral fora. As members of Group of 77 (G77), both countries advocate and are committed to social and economical development of the Global South, and South-South cooperation in areas like health, education and sustainable development.
Building on previous and existing agreements, India and Cuba S&T cooperation in healthcare innovation, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence hold potential for inclusive development of AI and its governance and strengthening healthcare capacity. Cuba’s increasing interests in India’s traditional medicine has also emerged as a significant area for collaboration. Additionally, India and Cuba cooperation in vaccine development, medicine, and health will also pave the way for affordable and accessible healthcare for the Global South.