In a significant gesture of humanitarian support, India has delivered approximately 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Cuba to assist in the island nation’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The aid shipment, which arrived in Cuba on Thursday evening aboard a special aircraft from India, underscores India’s commitment to global solidarity and its support for fellow countries grappling with natural disasters.
The Embassy of India in Havana highlighted the spirit behind this assistance on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), invoking the ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the world is one family.” The embassy stated, “Guided by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — India stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba, reaffirming bonds of friendship and humanitarian cooperation.” This message reflects India’s broader approach to international relations, which emphasizes empathy, cooperation, and mutual support, especially among nations in the Global South.
The relief consignment sent to Cuba was comprehensive and carefully curated to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the hurricane. Among the materials delivered was the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri (BHISHM) medical trauma unit, which is a specialized facility designed to provide critical medical care in disaster zones. Besides the medical unit, the shipment included essential medicines, electricity generators, tents, bedding, kitchen and hygiene kits, solar lanterns, and a variety of other items necessary for recovery and rehabilitation. These supplies are intended to help restore basic living conditions and support emergency medical care in areas severely impacted by the hurricane’s destruction.
This humanitarian initiative follows India’s earlier dispatch of 20 tonnes of similar HADR materials to Jamaica, another Caribbean nation affected by Hurricane Melissa. On Tuesday, India sent aid consignments weighing 20 tonnes each to both Jamaica and Cuba, reinforcing its commitment to assisting its partners in the Global South during times of crisis.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar took to X to announce the dispatch of these relief materials, emphasizing the swift response by the Indian government and the Indian Air Force. He said, “Dispatched 20 tonnes each of HADR relief materials for Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The Indian Air Force flight carrying aid, including Arogya Maitri BHISHM Cube, rehabilitation support items, food and daily utilities, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, shelter support, and hygiene kits, has departed from New Delhi today.” His statement highlighted not only the volume and variety of aid but also the prompt mobilization of resources to support hurricane-stricken regions.
The gesture of assistance from India was warmly received by Cuban officials. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla publicly expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “We thank India for the donation of numerous supplies for the victims in the east of Cuba due to Hurricane Melissa. Thank you, esteemed EAM S. Jaishankar, for this noble gesture from the Indian government.” This acknowledgment reflects the strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the two countries.
Hurricane Melissa itself was one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, causing widespread devastation across the Caribbean region. The hurricane made landfall in Cuba on October 29 as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 hurricane, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. The storm’s impact was severe, with Cuban authorities reporting “significant damage” across the island. Rising river levels caused by heavy rainfall resulted in the isolation of approximately 140,000 people, complicating rescue and relief operations.
The hurricane left a trail of destruction that included damaged homes, disrupted power supplies, and compromised water and sanitation infrastructure. These conditions heightened the urgency for humanitarian aid focused on basic necessities, medical care, shelter, and power restoration. India’s timely delivery of relief materials aimed to address these critical needs and facilitate the recovery process for affected communities.
India’s response to Hurricane Melissa is part of a broader pattern of proactive humanitarian assistance that the country provides internationally. Positioned as a responsible global actor, India frequently extends help to disaster-hit countries by deploying aid, expertise, and emergency response teams. This approach not only assists in immediate relief but also strengthens diplomatic relationships and fosters goodwill.
The inclusion of the BHISHM medical trauma unit in the aid package is particularly noteworthy. This mobile medical facility is designed to provide rapid trauma care in disaster zones, equipped with essential medical equipment