Mr. President,

It was with a sense of loss that Indians learnt about the demise of the legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro. His passing away marks the end of a remarkable chapter in contemporary world history.

2.    Prime M·inister Narendra Modi captured the emotions of India's one billion people when he stated that India mourns the loss of a great friend, and described Fidel Castro as one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century.

3.    Fidel Castro indeed towered on the global stage. Under his leadership the people of Cuba achieved notable development successes in areas such as education and healthcare, despite outside pressures.

4.    Cuba also gave a significant voice for the cause of the global south. This is what drew India and Cuba together.

Mr. President,

5.    India was one of the first countries to recognize Fidel Castro's government after the Cuban revolution in 1959. A close camaraderie quickly developed between the leaders of our two countries and he first visited India in 1973.

6.    Fidel Castro was a stalwart of the Non Aligned Movement during the Cold War years, when India and Cuba commenced their close partnership to advance the interests of developing countries. His charismatic and wise leadership made a remarkable impression at the 1983 NAM Summit hosted by India in New Delhi.

7.    At the United Nations, India and Cuba have always worked together closely to promote the aspects of economic equity and social justice in international relations.
 

8.    Despite the enormous physical distance between India and Cuba, our peoples and leaders have cherished a close bond between them. This is symbolized in the great respect, admiration and affection that India has had for the  great revolutionary leader of Cuba.

Mr. President,

9.    As a mark of respect to the legendary leader, members of both houses of the Indian Parliament paid tributes by standing in silence. The Chairman of the Upper House of the Parliament, India's Vice President Hamid Ansari called Fidel Castro a champion of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism. The Speaker of the Lower House Sumitra Mahajan spoke of his sheer charisma and his iron will. She said that his contribution to the Non Aligned Movement and his unflinching support will remain deeply etched in the minds and the hearts of Indian people. An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation represented India in Havana to pay respect to the departed leader.

10.    India will always remember and cherish our friendship with this strong leader of a resilient nation. We are confident that the Cuban people will carry forward the lasting legacy of Fidel Castro Ruz.

Thank You