Hansraj Singh Verma Appointed as the Next Ambassador of India to Cuba

Hansraj Singh Verma has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment on 18 September 2026, and he is expected to take up the assignment in Havana shortly.

About Hansraj Singh Verma

Hansraj Singh Verma is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2008 batch. He is currently the Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Earlier, he looked after political and commercial affairs at the Indian Embassy in Buenos Aires.

• Foreign postings: Chittagong, Paris, Accra, Frankfurt, Maputo, Lisbon and Buenos Aires.
• MEA Headquarters: He served as Deputy Chief of Protocol from March 2019 to July 2021.
• Subjects handled: Passports and visas, extradition, the United Nations, protocol and administration.

He takes over from T. Armstrong Changsan, a 1997 batch IFS officer, who has been named India's next Ambassador to Armenia.

India and Cuba Bilateral Relations

According to the MEA, India and Cuba share warm and friendly ties.

Diplomatic Ties

India was among the first countries to recognise the new Cuban government after the revolution of January 1959. Che Guevara visited India from 30 June to 4 July 1959, which strengthened the relationship. Embassies were opened in both capitals, and India's first head of mission presented credentials in Havana on 12 January 1960. The two countries also work together at the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and other global forums.

Development Assistance

Development assistance is a priority area. India has helped Cuba after several hurricanes:

• US$ 2 million after Hurricanes Gustav, Ike and Paloma in 2008
• Medical supplies worth US$ 1 million after Hurricane Matthew in 2016, handed over in January 2018
• US$ 150,000 as emergency aid after Hurricane Irma in 2017

Energy Cooperation

Cuba is a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and its Vice-President for the Latin America and Caribbean region. India has also extended Lines of Credit for three energy-related projects in Cuba.