Che Guevara's visit to India, and the Indian mission in Havana that followed
Background
The Indian Embassy in Havana records that India and Cuba established diplomatic relations after the Cuban revolution of 1959, and that the first head of the Indian mission presented credentials on 12 January 1960. Ernesto 'Che' Guevara visited India from 30 June to 4 July 1959, a visit the Embassy describes as instrumental in consolidating the early ties between the two countries. The Embassy describes the relationship as traditionally warm and friendly, with continued collaboration in the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and other international fora. Current engagement runs through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme, whose Cuban alumni were celebrated in March 2026, and through cultural work such as the Indian Film Festival held in Cuba in September 2025. India also delivered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material to Cuba in November 2025.
In plain words
ITEC Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation — India's programme of training courses and technical assistance for officials and professionals from partner countries.
Credentials — The formal letter a head of mission presents to the host state before taking charge.
HADR Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief — Aid in the form of relief material and services sent to a country hit by a disaster.