Cuban ambassador to India Carlos Marsan urges multilateral action against U.S. unilateralism

Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera on Monday condemned the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, calling it a “criminal” and “terrorist” act that violates the United Nations Charter (article no.2) and international law. “This U.S. military aggression is a criminal act. It violates all principles of the UN Charter and international law,” he said, urging the world to resist unilateral interventions.

Aguilera criticized broader U.S. policies, including tariff wars, threats to Iran, and other military interventions, calling them part of Washington’s “madness” in global affairs. He stressed that no single country could check the U.S. alone and called for multilateral unity through the UN and BRICS.

Highlighting India’s role, Aguilera said the country could help balance global power and advocate for the Global South . With India holding the BRICS presidency, he expressed hope for deeper cooperation among BRICS nations and developing countries. He also recalled India’s long-standing support for Cuba, including backing against the U.S. blockade and recent aid for medicine and hurricane relief.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the operation as “state terrorism” and a “barbarian kidnapping,” asserting Cuba’s readiness to stand with Venezuela. Cuban officials reported that 32 Cuban military and security personnel were killed defending Maduro, highlighting Havana’s close ties with Caracas. Díaz-Canel warned that Cuba would resist any further U.S. aggression and stressed the continent should remain a “zone of peace.”

U.S. President Donald Trump described Cuba as “ a failing nation ” and said Washington would support Cuban exiles, claiming the operation highlighted Havana’s vulnerability. Senator Marco Rubio warned Cuban leaders they should be “concerned” and framed Havana as a major influence over Venezuela’s security, suggesting the island’s future could be affected by the changing regional dynamics. Díaz-Canel responded that Cuba would not bow to U.S. threats, reaffirming the country’s commitment to sovereignty and solidarity with Venezuela.

The operation involved coordinated U.S. strikes on Caracas and resulted in Maduro and his wife being transported to the United States to face federal charges, including alleged narco-terrorism. While some U.S. leaders defended the mission as targeting criminal networks, critics warned it undermines international law and could destabilize the region.

With Venezuela’s leadership in flux and domestic tensions rising, and Cuba facing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the international community remains deeply divided over the operation, highlighting ongoing disputes over sovereignty, intervention, and the rules-based international order.