The 50th anniversary of the first visit to India of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, was celebrated in the city of Bangalore at a meeting convened by the Indian Economic and Trade Organization (IETO). The Cuban Ambassador, Alejandro Simancas Marín, highlighted Fidel's enormous contribution to bilateral relations and to cementing the foundations of friendship, dialogue, respect and cooperation that both countries share today. While Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, also highlighted that beyond being the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel was a world leader and one of the great paradigms of the 20th century in the fight for justice and a better world.
During the meeting, the opportunity was taken to announce the appointment of local businessman Manandi Ramesh as trade commissioner to handle business with Cuba within IETO. Likewise, the upcoming Havana International Fair in November was announced and a call was made to companies in the state of Karnataka to join the Indian delegation and take advantage of bilateral business opportunities. The meeting was attended by about 100 participants, mainly local businessmen from the city of Bangalore, capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. During the visit to the city, the Ambassador of Cuba was also received by the Minister of the Interior of the state Government, Gangadharaiah Parameshwara, with whom he exchanged about the history and perspectives of bilateral relations in an atmosphere of friendship and cordiality.