U.S. Blockade Aims to Isolate Cuba, Says Envoy; Seeks Stronger Ties with BRICS Financial System

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) condemning the U.S.-imposed economic and financial blockade of Cuba, the Cuban envoy in New Delhi described the sanctions enforced during the Trump administration as “the most painful” for his country and said Havana is exploring deeper financial integration with BRICS economies.

“The U.S. blockade aims to isolate Cuba and discourage investors and businessmen from travelling to the country. Earlier, we had around one million tourists every year, but now barely three hundred thousand visit,” said Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera at a press conference at the Press Club of India. “On October 28–29, we will submit this resolution to the UN General Assembly.”

The Ambassador said U.S. restrictions have cost Cuba billions in potential tourism revenue. “Had the blockade and trade restrictions not prevented U.S. tourists from travelling to Cuba, our country would receive 1–2 million U.S. visitors annually — representing nearly $2 billion in revenue,” he explained, adding that many tourists and businesspeople avoid Cuba because Cuban entry stamps can complicate future travel to the United States.

Mr. Aguilera accused the Trump administration of worsening bilateral tensions by placing Cuba back on Washington’s list of “state sponsors of terrorism.” He said, “We want an end to these unfair trade practices of the United States that are causing immense suffering to our people. For decades, it is the United States that has sponsored terror attacks targeting Cuba.”

Looking ahead, the Ambassador said Cuba is actively seeking to deepen economic and financial ties with BRICS nations, particularly in areas of trade, digital payments, and biotechnology.

He recalled the July 6 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Mr. Aguilera added that Cuba is considering adopting India’s UPI system, which he said could facilitate smoother transactions, attract Indian investments, and boost tourism to the island nation.