Appointments 19 September 2026
Hansraj Singh Verma Appointed as Next Ambassador of India to Cuba
Why in the News?
Diplomat Hansraj Singh Verma has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cuba, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. He is expected to take up his new assignment in Havana shortly.
Key Features / Major Points:
Diplomatic Background: Hansraj Singh Verma is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2008 batch. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Extensive Global Experience: Verma has a rich and varied experience across various Indian Missions, including Chittagong, Paris, Accra, Frankfurt, Maputo, Lisbon, and Buenos Aires. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Protocol at MEA Headquarters from March 2019 to July 2021.
Bilateral Relations: India and Cuba share traditionally warm and friendly ties, dating back to India being among the first nations to recognize the new Cuban government following the January 1959 revolution. Major Ernesto "Che" Guevara's visit to India in 1959 further cemented diplomatic bonds.
Energy and Development Cooperation: Cuba is an active member and regional Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), reflecting strong bilateral cooperation in renewable energy and sustainable development.
Static GK Facts:
Governing Framework: India's diplomatic missions abroad operate directly under the administrative control of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi.
Capital and Currency of Cuba: Cuba's capital is Havana, and its official currency is the Cuban Peso.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cuba?
A: Hansraj Singh Verma
Q: Hansraj Singh Verma belongs to which batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)?
A: 2008 batch
Q: Cuba serves as a regional Vice-President for which major global initiative backed by India?
A: International Solar Alliance (ISA)