India votes against United States at UN for Cuba

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India supported a resolution at the United Nations calling for an end to the long-standing United States economic sanctions on Cuba. The United Nations General Assembly voted to condemn the policy for a 32nd consecutive year. With a vote of 187-2, the resolution saw only the United States and Israel voting in opposition, while one member abstained. The vote reflected growing global disapproval, tying the record level of support Cuba received in both 2019 and 2022.

During the debate, First Secretary Sneha Dube emphasized that, as the world’s largest democracy with a strong commitment to multilateralism, India stands in solidarity with the UN General Assembly in its clear rejection of domestic laws with extraterritorial impact.

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Cubans criticize Biden administration

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized the Biden administration’s policies, blaming them for exacerbating Cuba's recent energy crisis. Rodriguez argued that US restrictions on fuel imports contributed to recent blackouts on the island, which suffered additional infrastructure damage during Hurricane Oscar.

Rodriguez questioned the US claim that its embargo policies are meant to "support the Cuban people," calling it a "maximum pressure policy" that has instead contributed to widespread hardships.

Looking ahead to the upcoming US presidential election, Rodriguez urged the next administration to reconsider the embargo, describing it as an “inhumane siege” and calling on the US to join the majority of nations in allowing Cuba to develop its full economic potential. He also indicated Cuba’s willingness to engage in “constructive and civilized dialogue” with the United States while asserting the country's commitment to an independent socialist future.

Significance of UNGA Resolutions

Though UN General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they highlight international opinion, providing a prominent platform for Cuba to showcase the widespread opposition to the embargo. Rodriguez also expressed hope that the next US president might change course on the embargo, which dates back to 1960 following the Cuban Revolution and the nationalization of American assets.

Cuba's Ongoing Economic Crisis

Cuba has been hit by one of the worst economic crises in its history, struggling with prolonged blackouts, severe food shortages, and rising inflation. In response to deteriorating conditions, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have emigrated, many seeking refuge in the United States.

The US embargo on Cuba, which was tightened in 1962, saw a brief easing under President Barack Obama, who in 2016 restored diplomatic relations with then-Cuban President Raul Castro. That year, for the first time, the US abstained from the annual UN vote against the embargo. However, under the Trump administration, the US resumed its opposition, a stance maintained by the Biden administration.

US defends sanctions on Cuba

US Deputy Ambassador Paul Folmsbee defended the embargo, stating that sanctions are part of a larger effort to promote democracy and protect human rights in Cuba. Folmsbee highlighted the presence of around 1,000 political prisoners in Cuba and noted that US sanctions exempt food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods. He reported that last year alone, the US exported $336 million in agricultural products to Cuba and authorized additional humanitarian shipments.

In May, the Biden administration lifted certain financial restrictions, allowing independent Cuban entrepreneurs access to US banking services in a bid to stimulate private business growth on the island. However, Rodriguez argued that such measures have not effectively eased the economic toll on Cuba, which he said has lost over $16 billion under the current administration.

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