Ahead of Cuba’s resolution against the U.S. blockade to be taken up by the UN General Assembly on October 27, the Caribbean nation intensified its diplomatic outreach to the Global South on Sunday (October 25, 2026), with the Vice President of Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State Mari Machado meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla here.
Following the meeting with Ms. Machado, Mr. Cuba is participating in the BRICS Parliamentary Forum meeting as a partner country of the grouping. This comes two days after Cuba’s ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera accused the United States of carrying out a naval blockade that has created an acute energy crisis in his country. “Cuba is fully capable of defending itself. The U.S. is practising the Monroe Doctrine in our region,” Mr.
Birla said they had “discussed strengthening parliamentary exchanges, capacity-building and cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Aguilera said, seeking support for Cuba’s UNGA resolution.
Mr. India and Russia are marking the 80th anniversary of their bilateral relationship and the two dignitaries carried out a review of parliament-level exchanges between the two countries against the backdrop of unfolding global and regional developments. The Lok Sabha Speaker informed the Russian delegation about the steps taken to make parliamentary proceedings accessible in various Indian languages through Sansad Bhashini. Birla highlighted the importance of using technology in making parliamentary functioning more accessible, efficient, and people-centric.
Birla also met the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, Vyacheslav Volodin, on Saturday (October 24), to discuss bilateral ties.
Mr, according to a statement issued by the Parliament Secretariat.
