Pabitra Margherita concludes visits to Ecuador, Bolivia and Cuba; inaugurates Indian embassies and strengthens bilateral ties
New Delhi, November 12. Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita concluded a week-long official visit to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba from November 4 to 10. The visits aimed to deepen India’s engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean and included the inauguration of new Indian embassies in Ecuador and Bolivia.
During his visit to Ecuador (November 4-5), Margherita called on President Daniel Noboa Azin and held wide-ranging discussions with Foreign Minister Maria Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero and the Agriculture Minister on issues of mutual interest. Alongside the Foreign Minister, he announced the opening of the Embassy of India in Quito and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the diplomatic training institutes of both countries. The Minister encouraged Ecuadorian participation in India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes, particularly in areas such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, and science and technology. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in India in the first half of 2026. Margherita also paid homage at the Monument of Heroes of August in Quito and met members of the business and Indian communities.
In Bolivia, Margherita attended the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected President Rodrigo Paz and Vice President Edmond Lara in La Paz on November 8. Following the ceremony, he met President Paz and conveyed India’s commitment to supporting Bolivia’s growth and development. The Minister also paid floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Mallasa Park and planted a sapling as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He inaugurated the new building of the Embassy of India in La Paz, participated in the 150th anniversary celebration of Vande Mataram, and interacted with representatives from business, culture, academia, the Indian community, and ITEC alumni.
In Cuba (November 9-10), Margherita met President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, Deputy Prime Ministers Eduardo Martinez Diaz and Oscar Perez-Oliva, and Acting Foreign Minister Gerardo Penalver Portal for discussions covering bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation. The visit saw the signing of two key agreements – the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters and a Cultural Exchange Programme Protocol. Margherita also paid tributes at the José Martí Memorial and the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Havana, and visited the Fidel Castro Centre.
As a gesture of solidarity, the Minister handed over 20 tons of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) materials to Cuban authorities in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The consignment included Aarogya Maitri BHISHM Cubes, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, shelter and hygiene kits, and other relief items.
Across all three nations, Margherita explored avenues for cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals, ayurveda and yoga, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation, critical minerals, textiles, tourism, and trade. He also proposed hosting Indian film, fashion, and food festivals to enhance cultural and people-to-people ties.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South, Margherita said India remains dedicated to working with Ecuador, Bolivia, and Cuba in advancing shared priorities under the spirit of South-South cooperation and for the global good.
