India Supports UN Resolution Calling for an End to the US Embargo on Cuba

On 28th October 2026, India voted in support of the UN General Assembly Resolution that was adopted in favor of bringing about an end to the United States’ economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. The resolution was supported by 130 members, opposed by 17 members, while 25 members abstained from voting. India’s delegate reaffirmed its policy of opposition to legislation having extraterritorial effects, which impact the sovereignty and development of other nations.

India’s Take on the Cuba Embargo Resolution

India advocated for respect for national sovereignty, the upholding of international law and the importance of multilateralism. The representative of India at the United Nations, Soumya Nair, presented the statement on India’s behalf before the voting process.

India urged other nations to repeal or avoid bills with extraterritorial implications in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

India expressed concern about humanitarian issues in Cuba, such as the limited availability of medicines, food supply problems, and issues of healthcare, educational services, water supply, distribution of food and transportation. New Delhi has urged the international community to lift the embargo to allow Cuba to become a part of global cooperation.

US Sanctions against Cuba: Historical Context

Economic sanctions against Cuba by the United States have been imposed since 1960 following the Cuban revolution, the nationalisation of American property, and worsened diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The broader trade embargo has been formally introduced in February 1962.

In the course of the 2015-2017 US President Barack Obama administration policy towards Cuba, the two countries have re-established diplomatic ties and relaxed certain sanctions.

Subsequent US governments either re-introduced or broadened certain sanctions.

It has been a long-standing issue at the UN, with the UN General Assembly having adopted several resolutions on ending the trade embargo since 1992, with the exception of 2020 due to the global coronavirus outbreak.

Vote by the UN General Assembly on the Resolution

The resolution was passed by a vote of the Assembly on 28th October 2026.

The 2026 voting result has been a significant turnabout from the 2025 pattern of voting, with many countries that voted in favor in the previous year reversing their votes or abstaining.

Is the UN General Assembly Resolution Binding in Law?

The resolution is not legally binding. According to Article 10 of the UN Charter, the General Assembly can consider any matter that falls under the Charter and issue recommendations to member states or the Security Council.

It is for this reason that the resolution only represents the stand of the Assembly without necessarily repealing the US sanctions or requiring the US to lift the embargo. The lifting of the embargo by the US is subject to internal US procedures.