India and Cuba Strengthen Ties in Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing

New Delhi: India and Cuba have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in science and technology, with a particular focus on biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The discussions took place during a high-level meeting between Cuba’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Eduardo Martínez Díaz, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The meeting focused on deepening collaboration in medical research, vaccine development, and sustainable biomanufacturing. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of joint research initiatives to propel India’s scientific community toward global leadership in innovation and transformation. He highlighted the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) increasing focus on collaborative research to tackle socio-economic and environmental challenges with long-term benefits.

India’s advancements in biotechnology and biomanufacturing were showcased, including DBT’s role in the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB). Dr. Singh noted that India’s bioeconomy has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding from $10 billion in 2014 to $151 billion in 2023, reaching the milestone two years ahead of its 2025 target. He also highlighted key policy measures such as Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), the BioE3 Policy, and the National Biofuels Policy, all of which align with India’s vision of Green Growth and a Net-Zero carbon economy.

Dr. Eduardo Martínez Díaz shared insights into Cuba’s biotech achievements, particularly its success in developing low-cost vaccines and pioneering cancer treatments. He expressed Cuba’s keen interest in partnering with India to advance research and production capabilities in biotechnology.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen existing agreements in health, medicine, and biotechnology, building on previous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering traditional medicine, homeopathy, and scientific collaboration. Given Cuba’s growing interest in Ayurveda and Indian naturopathy, both nations are optimistic about further expanding engagement in traditional and alternative medicine.

DBT also emphasized India’s success in accelerating vaccine development and manufacturing, particularly through initiatives like “Mission COVID Suraksha”, which played a pivotal role under Atma Nirbhar Bharat 3.0. Additionally, DBT’s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) continues to support India’s biotech startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.

As a key outcome of the discussions, Cuba extended an invitation to Dr. Jitendra Singh to lead an Indian delegation to Bio-Habana 2026, a major global biotechnology conference to be held in Havana.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both nations. The Cuban delegation included Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, First Deputy Minister of Health Tania Margarita Cruz Hernández, and leading figures from Cuba’s biotechnology sector. On the Indian side, DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale and other senior officials participated in the deliberations.