United Nations, Oct 26 (IANS): India joined 181 other nations in the UN General Assembly in calling for the immediate lifting of the economic and trade embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States since 1962.

The 193-member General Assembly voted the resolution 182 to 2 for adoption, marking the 20th year in a row that the body has approved such a measure.

While the United States and its ally Israel voted against the measure, the Pacific states of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau abstained.

The resolution urged "once again all states that have and continue to apply such laws and measures (US embargo) to take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible in accordance with their legal regime."

The measure titled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba" was proposed by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

Speaking in favour of the resolution Indian Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed said there is huge potential for strengthening economic and commercial ties between Cuba and the United States.

"Taking advantage of limited openings under the US Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, the US has become the largest exporter of agricultural products to Cuba," he noted.

Congressional efforts in the United States to relax or lift the embargo lend further credence to the UN annual resolutions calling for lifting of the US embargo against Cuba, he said.

The steps taken by the US Administration in January 2011 to reduce restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba are positive developments, Ahmed said.

But "Much more needs to be done," he said, "as, it is far from making a fundamental change in the complex framework of laws and regulations which are part of the embargo against Cuba."