India–Cuba Dialogue on Healthcare and Biotechnology Cooperation

Dr. Rashmi Saluja hosted a high-level strategic meeting with a delegation from BioCubaFarma, Cuba’s leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical organisation. The meeting provided an important platform to explore avenues for strengthening India–Cuba cooperation in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, preventive health and advanced medical research.

The discussions brought together senior representatives of BioCubaFarma, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba and Indian innovation stakeholders. Dr. Saluja highlighted the longstanding ties between India and Cuba and the considerable potential for greater institutional cooperation in developing accessible, affordable and innovative healthcare solutions. She also noted Cuba’s recognised capabilities in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and emphasised the scope for collaboration extending beyond therapeutics to preventive and integrated healthcare.

The Cuban delegation was led by Dr. David Roger Curbelo, with the participation of Dr. Jorge Valdéz Hernandez, under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Marsen Aguilera. Discussions covered potential areas of cooperation including joint manufacturing, technology transfer, clinical research, preventive healthcare, nanotechnology and strategic investment. Particular emphasis was placed on developing complementary approaches that integrate preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative healthcare to address emerging health challenges.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of sustained institutional dialogue and continued engagement between stakeholders from both countries. Both sides agreed to pursue further discussions through the exchange of technical information and collaborative proposals, while also considering a future delegation visit to Cuba to explore potential partnerships and advance India–Cuba cooperation in healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation.