Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, July 7, 2025. This important discussion built upon their earlier engagement during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, where Cuba had been a special invitee.

A primary focus of the meeting was President Diaz-Canel's expressed interest in India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The Cuban President acknowledged India's considerable expertise in the digital domain, indicating a potential pathway for Cuba to explore similar digital transformation initiatives within its own framework.

The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the bilateral ties between their nations, covering a diverse range of areas crucial for mutual growth and cooperation. These areas included economic cooperation, development partnerships, advancements in fintech, capacity building, collaborations in science and technology, strategies for disaster management, and crucial developments in the healthcare sector. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's appreciation for Cuba's recognition of Ayurveda and offered support for its deeper integration into Cuba's public health system. Furthermore, the Prime Minister proposed that Cuba grant recognition to the Indian pharmacopoeia, which would significantly enhance Cuba's access to Indian generic medicines, fostering greater affordability and availability.

Beyond bilateral concerns, both Prime Minister Modi and President Diaz-Canel Bermudez affirmed their commitment to collaborate on pressing issues affecting the Global South. These shared concerns encompass global health challenges, preparedness and response to pandemics, and the critical agenda of climate change. They also acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between India and Cuba within various multilateral arenas.

Reflecting on the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared insights via a post on X, highlighting the immense potential for growth in economic relations between India and Cuba. He specifically pointed to technology, healthcare, and energy as particularly promising sectors for future collaboration. Modi also noted the positive trend of growing acceptance of Ayurveda in Cuba and mentioned discussions aimed at strengthening disaster management apparatus. The 17th BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil, saw the participation of leaders from its original member nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – alongside representatives from new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Prior to the formal sessions, Prime Minister Modi, along with other attending leaders, participated in a traditional family photo session at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, featuring prominent figures such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.