India hails US decision to resume diplomatic ties with Cuba

India today welcomed the US’ decision to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba after a gap of more than five decades. [caption id=“attachment_1855189” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  AP[/caption] “India, which enjoys excellent relations with the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba, welcomes the decision by both the countries to re-establish diplomatic relations,” Official Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin, said. In a historic decision, President Barack Obama yesterday in a television address to the country announced a series of steps aimed at normalising relations with communist-ruled Cuba, with which the US had severed diplomatic ties decades ago, imposing a series of sanctions on its island neighbour. The steps being taken include instructions to re-establish the US Embassy in Cuban capital Havana, relaxing of trade and travel restrictions and review of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. PTI