India backs UN resolution seeking an end to US embargo on Cuba
India has voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
India reiterated that the restrictions should be lifted at the earliest to create an environment in which the people of Cuba can participate more fully in international cooperation and pursue their development aspirations.
The 193-member General Assembly adopted the resolution on Wednesday, with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against and 25 abstaining.
Delivering India's statement, Soumya Nair, Counsellor at India's Permanent Mission to the UN, said the General Assembly had repeatedly called for an end to the embargo. It had also rejected laws and regulations with effects beyond national borders that adversely affect the sovereignty of other states and the progress and prosperity of their people.
“India reiterates the Assembly's call to all states to refrain from promulgating and applying, and to repeal and invalidate, such laws and measures in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law,” Nair said, according to PTI.
She said India's commitment to multilateralism was rooted in the belief that international challenges were best addressed through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter.
“It is in this spirit that India hopes that the embargo will be lifted at the earliest to help create an environment that would enable the people of Cuba to participate more fully in international cooperation and pursue their legitimate development aspirations,” she said.
Citing a report by the UN Secretary-General, Nair highlighted the impact of the restrictions on Cuba's economy and essential services. She said Cuba's health system faced shortages of more than 60 per cent of essential medicines, while food production had declined by over 50 per cent in the past five years.
“The restrictions on fuel exports to Cuba have also aggravated the country's ongoing energy crisis. The shortages have disrupted essential services, including healthcare, education, water supplies, food distribution, and transportation,” Nair said.
India's vote backed the General Assembly's renewed call to end the US embargo, with New Delhi saying the restrictions were affecting Cuba's economy, essential services and development goals.
