What happened?
On November 6, 2024, Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba’s Artemisa province as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread power outages and significant rainfall. In continuation of its humanitarian aid diplomacy, India dispatched a consignment of essential medicines comprising antibiotics, antipyretics, painkillers, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and muscle relaxants for Cuba on January 10, 2025.
Why it matters to India:
India’s humanitarian assistance to Cuba exemplifies its efforts to project itself as a important global power, particularly in the Global South. Through this aid consignment, India also reinforced its historical ties with Cuba and showcased its strategic approach towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).