India backs UN resolution calling for end to US embargo on Cuba

India supported a United Nations General Assembly resolution for ending the US economic embargo of Cuba, which the country has imposed for several decades, saying the sanctions deprive the Caribbean nation of avenues for development and access to vital services.

The resolution was adopted by the General Assembly on Wednesday with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against it and 25 abstaining, the Press Trust of India reported.

For India, Soumya Nair, counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, delivered its statement. She said the restrictions had “harmed Cuba’s sovereignty, economic development and prosperity”.

“India is hopeful that the embargo will be relaxed at the earliest so that an atmosphere is generated which facilitates the people of Cuba to have a more active participation in international cooperation and to realise their genuine development objectives,” Nair said.

She emphasised the importance of the measures which included restrictions on Cuba’s health and food production which meant the country lacked more than 60% of vital medicines and had experienced a fall of more than 50% in food production within five years.

The resolution also requested countries not to invoke legislation with extraterritorial effect that contravenes international commitments.

The annual resolution can’t end the embargo, which will need to be done by US Congress. The countries that opposed the resolution included the US and Israel, Reuters reported.