Bengaluru, 15 August 2026: The United Diplomatic Council hosted H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to India, in Bengaluru on 15 August 2026, bringing together diplomatic and business stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening India’s engagement with Cuba and the wider Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.
The programme also marked an important institutional development with the appointment of Mr. Rafi Ahmed Chuna as Latin America and Caribbean Representative – Karnataka and the inauguration of the office in Bengaluru. The initiative is aimed at creating a stronger link between Karnataka’s business community and emerging opportunities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
India and Cuba share a longstanding relationship rooted in diplomatic goodwill, political understanding and cooperation across several fields. India was among the early countries to recognise the Cuban government following the 1959 Revolution. Since then, cooperation has expanded into areas including healthcare, biotechnology, science and technology, culture and development cooperation.
Economic engagement has also formed an important part of the relationship. Indian exports to Cuba have included pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, medical equipment, chemicals, textiles, plastics and metal products, while trade from Cuba has included pharmaceutical and tobacco products. Despite these exchanges, significant scope remains for expanding bilateral commerce, particularly in sectors where the capabilities of Indian and Cuban businesses complement one another.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to India, said:
“India and Cuba have a relationship built on friendship and mutual respect, but the next phase must give greater space to economic cooperation. There is considerable potential for Indian businesses and Cuban enterprises to work together in areas where both countries have complementary strengths.”
The discussions in Bengaluru therefore went beyond bilateral relations and looked towards the wider LAC market. For Indian businesses, Latin America and the Caribbean represent opportunities across technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, food processing, tourism and professional services. Karnataka, with Bengaluru at the centre of its technology, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, is particularly well positioned to build stronger commercial links with the region.
The newly inaugurated Bengaluru office is intended to provide businesses with a practical point of contact for exploring these markets. Its role will include facilitating introductions, identifying potential business partners, supporting trade delegations and helping companies better understand the commercial environment, regulatory frameworks and business culture of LAC countries. The objective is to make market entry more accessible and encourage sustained partnerships rather than one-time commercial exchanges.
The appointment of Mr. Rafi Ahmed Chuna as Latin America and Caribbean Representative – Karnataka is central to this effort. His mandate is to strengthen connections between Karnataka-based enterprises and businesses, institutions and stakeholders across the LAC region, while encouraging greater awareness of the opportunities available to Indian companies.
“Karnataka has a strong base of entrepreneurs and companies with the ability to compete internationally. My objective will be to make Latin America and the Caribbean more accessible to businesses here and to create meaningful connections that can lead to trade, investment and long-term partnerships.”
— Mr. Rafi Ahmed Chuna, Latin America and Caribbean Representative – Karnataka
Cuba occupies a significant place within this wider engagement. Its strengths in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and tourism, together with its strategic position in the Caribbean, offer areas for greater cooperation with Indian enterprises. For companies looking towards the region, stronger India–Cuba engagement can consequently serve as one of several channels through which commercial relationships with the Caribbean can be developed.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President, Indian Economic Trade Organization and United Diplomatic Council, said:
“Diplomacy today cannot remain confined to official meetings. It must create pathways for businesses, institutions and people to work together. The Bengaluru office is conceived as precisely such a bridge—connecting Karnataka with Latin America and the Caribbean and helping turn goodwill between nations into partnerships that create value on the ground.”
The Bengaluru event thus marked an important step towards deepening India–Cuba economic engagement while opening a broader avenue for Karnataka’s businesses to connect with Latin America and the Caribbean. The inauguration of the office and appointment of Mr. Chuna provide a dedicated platform through which companies can explore new markets, establish international partnerships and participate more actively in the expanding India–LAC economic relationship.
About The Author
