Bengaluru | 21 February 2026
India and Cuba have taken a significant step in advancing their bilateral relations through the launch of theIndia–Cuba IT Council at the India Cuba IT Forum hosted by the United Diplomatic Council (UDC) in Bengaluru. The forum brought together senior government officials, diplomats, trade commissioners from SCO Unmanned systems council, representation from Latin America and Caribbean , Commonwealth, Africa Trade councils and technology leaders to formalize a structured mechanism for cooperation in digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and IT-driven trade.
The Council was established following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO), operating under the diplomatic platform of UDC, and XETID (Empresa de Tecnologías de la Información Para La Defensa), a state-owned Cuban technology enterprise. The agreement provides an institutional framework to promote collaboration in software development, digital public infrastructure, technology parks, startup ecosystems, and emerging technologies.
India and Cuba share more than six decades of diplomatic relations, rooted in solidarity, South–South cooperation, and mutual respect for sovereignty. Since establishing ties in 1960, both nations have collaborated across multilateral platforms and strengthened engagement in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and education. The launch of the IT Council reflects a natural evolution of this partnership into the digital domain, aligning with both countries’ emphasis on innovation-led development and technological self-reliance.
Addressing the forum, H.E. Mrs. Mayra Arevich Marín, Minister of Communications of the Republic of Cuba, emphasized the strategic importance of digital cooperation, stating,
“Digital transformation today defines national competitiveness and sovereignty. The India–Cuba IT Council is not merely a cooperation mechanism; it is a bridge between two nations committed to using technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
The Council’s framework identifies five strategic areas of cooperation: joint development of IT parks and technology zones; expansion of digital trade and software services; exchange of governmental and industry delegations; collaboration in education and advanced skill development in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and fintech; and promotion of innovation partnerships in emerging technology sectors. Together, these priorities aim to integrate institutional collaboration with private sector participation and knowledge exchange.
A central pillar of this collaboration is XETID, a state-owned Cuban technology enterprise established to advance the country’s technological sovereignty. XETID develops secure digital solutions in electronic commerce, e-government, and enterprise management, including ENZONA for online payments, Ticket for service and fuel bookings, Bienestar for digital public services, DISTRA for enterprise resource planning, and ACX for digital certification and electronic signatures. As a strategic entity within Cuba’s informatization policy, XETID emphasizes secure, audited systems and has engaged in international discussions on artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure, including cooperation with Indian stakeholders.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to India, highlighted the broader geopolitical context of the initiative.
“India and Cuba share a historic friendship based on solidarity and mutual respect. By expanding our cooperation into artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, we are opening new pathways for innovation, trade, and regional connectivity,” he noted, underscoring Cuba’s position as a gateway to Latin America.”
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the United Diplomatic Council, described the initiative as a model of modern economic diplomacy.
“The India–Cuba IT Council represents a forward-looking partnership where innovation and digital infrastructure become instruments of diplomatic engagement and economic opportunity,” he stated.
The launch of the India–Cuba IT Council signals a strategic deepening of bilateral ties, positioning technology and digital governance at the center of future cooperation. As both nations navigate an increasingly digital global economy, the Council is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term institutional collaboration, innovation exchange, and strengthened partnerships.
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