President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute to Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Santiago de Cuba on Friday. He described Castro as a great friend of India who gave strength to the voice of developing countries in the international arena. President Kovind is on the last leg of his three-nation tour to Greece, Suriname and Cuba.
President Kovind was accompanied with his wife Savita Kovind and paid tribute to the Cuban leader who built a communist state on the doorstep of the US.
"Honoured to begin my state visit to Cuba by paying homage to Fidel Castro in Santiago de Cuba. A great friend of India, who lent dignity & strength to the voice of developing countries in the international arena. His leadership shall continue to inspire millions," the president tweeted.
Cold War icon Castro stuck to his ideology beyond the collapse of Soviet Union and was widely respected in parts of the world that struggled against colonial rule. Castro passed away at the age of 90 on November 25, 2016.
During the two-day visit, President Kovind will hold talks with newly-elected Cuban President Miguel Diza-Canel Bermudez.