Much has been written about this truly charismatic figure. But there were facets of his magnetic personality that I was able to personally experience during my three years (1981-84) as India’s ambassador in Havana. As is common practice, I had called on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before proceeding to Havana. I do not recall her precise words but she made it clear that she regarded this as an important assignment—both because of the personality of Fidel Castro and also the fact that he was at that time chairman of the Non Aligned Movement. It was clear that she set great store by Indo-Cuban friendship.