Hansraj Singh Verma Appointed India’s Next Ambassador to Cuba
Hansraj Singh Verma has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment on 18 September 2026, and he is expected to take up the assignment in Havana shortly.
Ambassadorial Appointment
Hansraj Singh Verma is an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 2008 batch. Before this posting, he served as the Consul General of India at the Consulate General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Indian Foreign Service and Diplomatic Postings
The Indian Foreign Service is the diplomatic service of India under the Ministry of External Affairs. IFS officers serve in Indian missions abroad and in the ministry in New Delhi.
India-Cuba Bilateral Relations
India and Cuba maintain diplomatic relations that date back to 1959, when India was among the first countries to recognise the new Cuban government. The Embassy of India in Havana handles India’s diplomatic presence in Cuba.
Important Facts for Exams
- Cuba is an island country in the Caribbean Sea and its capital is Havana.
- The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal ministry for India’s external relations and diplomatic appointments.
- The Indian Foreign Service was established in 1946 and remains one of India’s premier civil services.
- T Armstrong Changsan, the outgoing Ambassador to Cuba, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Armenia.
Diplomatic Mission in Havana
India’s diplomatic mission in Havana represents India’s interests in Cuba and manages bilateral political, economic, and consular work. Ambassadorial appointments are made through the Ministry of External Affairs.